Published on March 23, 2026
The largest federal workers union has expressed strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to replace Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers amidst the ongoing government shutdown. In a statement released on Thursday, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) warned that using “untrained, armed” ICE agents for airport security could jeopardize passenger safety.
The president’s suggestion came as a response to increasing absenteeism among TSA employees, many of whom are working without pay due to the prolonged government shutdown. As calls for reliable airport security grow louder, AFGE National President Everett Kelley criticized the plan, emphasizing that TSA agents undergo extensive training specifically tailored for aviation security, which ICE agents do not receive.
“In the midst of a shutdown where our dedicated TSA officers are being forced to choose between their jobs and their families, it is incomprehensible to even consider replacing them with agents who lack the necessary training and expertise,” Kelley stated. He added that the focus should be on properly compensating and supporting TSA personnel rather than turning to law enforcement officers who are not equipped for such a complex and critical task.
The TSA has been facing significant operational challenges since the shutdown began, with reports of increasing numbers of employees calling in sick. The agency, which is responsible for screening passengers and their belongings at airports nationwide, has seen its workforce stretched thin, leading to longer wait times and growing concerns about security effectiveness.
Critics of the proposal have also raised alarms about the potential for heightened tensions and conflicts at airports. Many travelers view the presence of armed officials as intimidating, and there are fears that using ICE agents, who are primarily focused on immigration enforcement, could result in civil rights violations and create a hostile environment for passengers.
The discussion surrounding airport security is unfolding against the backdrop of broader immigration debates in the U.S. As the government shutdown continues with no immediate resolution in sight, agencies like the TSA and their employees are left to navigate an uncertain future amid rising concerns over safety and professionalism in airport security operations.
Union leaders and airport security experts alike are calling for a prompt resolution to the shutdown that ensures federal workers receive their rightful pay and recognition for their vital roles in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems.
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