Summary
An image of an ICE agent at an Atlanta airport went viral, sparking questions about their role in assisting TSA workers amid a government shutdown. ICE agents were deployed to help TSA staff due to worker shortages, resulting from the lapse in government funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
- A viral photo shows an ICE agent standing behind a TSA worker at Atlanta's airport.
- ICE agents are helping TSA workers because of a government shutdown that left TSA staff unpaid.
- Over 400 TSA workers quit due to financial stress from not being paid during the shutdown.
- ICE agents are deployed to several major U.S. airports, including those in New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, and Phoenix.
- The partial government shutdown started on February 14 because Congress did not fund the Department of Homeland Security.
- President Trump authorized the deployment of ICE agents to assist at airports.
- TSA employees must work without pay during the shutdown, as they are deemed essential workers.
- Airline CEOs are concerned that the shutdown could worsen delays.
