Donald Trump said on Saturday that he may deploy agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to U.S. airports as soon as Monday if Democrats do not agree to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His warning marks an escalation in the ongoing standoff in Congress over DHS funding.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that if what he called “Radical Left Democrats” fail to reach an agreement to ensure the country—and especially its airports—are “free and safe again,” he would redirect ICE agents to handle airport security. He emphasized that these agents would carry out security operations at a level “like no one has ever seen before.” Trump also indicated that the plan would involve the immediate detention of undocumented immigrants, signaling a tougher enforcement approach directly tied to the funding dispute.
Trump initially floated the idea earlier that day and later reinforced his position, making it clear that his administration is prepared to shift ICE resources into airport operations if negotiations in Congress remain unresolved.
This comes amid a continued deadlock between Senate Republicans and Democrats over DHS funding. The department has been partially shut down since mid-February, which has disrupted several federal functions—most notably operations within the TSA.
On Saturday, Senate Republicans voted down a Democratic-led proposal to pass a standalone bill funding the TSA, with the measure failing 41–49. This followed an unsuccessful Democratic effort the previous day to pass a broader Republican-supported bill that would have fully funded DHS.
Patty Murray criticized Republicans, claiming they were linking TSA funding to increased ICE funding without incorporating reforms sought by Democrats. She argued that this approach has forced TSA officers to continue working without pay. Murray stated that Republicans were prioritizing additional ICE funding over fairly compensating TSA workers, although Republicans counter that Democrats have repeatedly declined to fully fund a critical national security agency.
The partial shutdown has placed growing strain on airports across the country. TSA officers, many of whom are working without pay, have reported higher rates of absenteeism, leading to longer wait times for travelers. Some reports suggest that hundreds of TSA employees have already left their positions.
Lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the operational difficulties but remain divided on how to resolve the broader funding disagreement.
Meanwhile, ICE operations have not been significantly impacted by the shutdown. The agency continues to function due to funding secured through a separate legislative package passed the previous year, allowing it to maintain enforcement activities despite the DHS funding gap.
Democrats are pushing for increased oversight of ICE as part of any funding agreement. Their proposals include requiring agents to display visible identification, limiting the use of face coverings, and restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
These demands intensified after a January incident in Minnesota, where two U.S. citizens were killed during an immigration enforcement operation, raising concerns about ICE practices.
Republicans have expressed openness to certain reforms but argue that full DHS funding should not depend on additional restrictions. GOP lawmakers have suggested measures such as requiring body cameras, improving training, and placing some limits on enforcement in sensitive areas.
John Hoeven said Republicans have already proposed a compromise framework that includes body cameras, enhanced training, and restrictions on arrests in places like churches and hospitals. He urged Democrats to re-engage in negotiations and clarify what concessions they are willing to make.
John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, placed blame on Democrats for worsening airport conditions. He argued that their refusal to fund DHS has led to avoidable disruptions and increasing challenges at airports nationwide.
