Summary
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are being sent to major U.S. airports to help with long security lines caused by staff shortages. These shortages are due to a partial government shutdown that has affected the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The shutdown happened because Congress did not pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees TSA.
Key Facts
- ICE agents are assisting at airports due to TSA staff shortages.
- The shortages are caused by a partial government shutdown.
- TSA officers continue to work but are not being paid, leading to absences.
- ICE officers will help with tasks like managing lines but won't screen passengers.
- The absence rate of TSA officers was reported at about 12% on a recent Sunday.
- The government shutdown stems from a funding dispute in Congress.
- Congress did not agree on DHS funding due to disagreements over immigration policies.
- ICE is still operating because it received separate funding previously.
