Summary
Over 450 TSA agents have quit during a partial government shutdown, leading to long wait times at airports. The departures, combined with other workers not showing up, are causing delays in security lines across the U.S. This situation might affect staffing for the World Cup events that the U.S. is co-hosting.
Key Facts
- Over 450 TSA agents have left their jobs since the government shutdown began.
- TSA agents screen passengers at airports for security.
- 11.7% of TSA agents were not at work on one Sunday during the shutdown, a peak absence rate.
- JFK, Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans airports saw more than a third of their staff absent.
- The U.S. is hosting 78 World Cup matches starting June 11 in 11 cities.
- TSA staffing issues could impact security preparations for the World Cup.
- TSA union leaders say unpaid workers are quitting due to financial hardship.
- ICE agents are being trained to assist with airport security tasks.
