US lawmakers on Thursday voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ending a record 76-day partial government shutdown over the federal agency’s immigration enforcement operations. Members of the US House of Representatives approved a Senate-passed bill via voice vote, restoring funding to much of DHS and concluding the longest shutdown in the agency’s history.The federal agency has continued to run without routine funds since 14 February, leading to major disruptions and hours-long wait times at airports across the US.&nbsp;The measure, supported by President Donald Trump, reopens DHS but does not include new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Border Patrol.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-raises-terror-threat-level-to-severe-after-anti-semitic-attack-in-north-london-s-golders-green-1777571980264">Britain raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ after anti-semitic attack in North London’s Golders Green</a>&nbsp;The bill now goes to the president, who is expected to swiftly sign the legislation.&nbsp;The White House had warned that temporary funding Trump had tapped to pay Transportation Security Administration and other agency personnel would “soon run out,” which sparked new threats of airport disruptions.&nbsp;“It is about damn time,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, who proposed the bill more than 70 days ago. The House swiftly voted by voice, without a formal roll call, to pass the measure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-foreigners-have-no-place-in-gulf-except-at-the-bottom-of-its-waters-says-mojtaba-khamenei-in-menacing-warning-to-us-1777550052404">‘Foreigners have no place in Gulf, except at the bottom of its waters,’ says Mojtaba Khamenei in menacing warning to US</a>&nbsp;While the Senate unanimously approved the bipartisan package a month ago, the bill languished in the House. Democrats refused to fund US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol without changes to those operations after the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents during protests against an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Republicans refused to go along with the plan pushed by Democrats to fund TSA and the other parts of DHS without the money for ICE and Border Patrol.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-stabbed-in-north-london-s-high-jewish-population-area-of-golders-green-suspect-arrested-1777465289961">Two stabbed in North London’s high Jewish population area of Golders Green; suspect arrested</a>&nbsp;To break the impasse, Republicans in both the House and Senate decided to tackle the immigration enforcement funding on their own through what is called budget reconciliation, a cumbersome weekslong process ahead.House Republicans adopted budget resolution on a largely party-line vote, 215-211, that is focused on eventually providing $70 billion for immigration enforcement and deportations for the remainder of Trump's time in office and ensure Democrats can no longer block funding. Trump’s term ends in January 2029.&nbsp;One key Republican, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, said isolating the immigration-related money on a separate track is “offensive to the men and women who serve in ICE and Border Patrol, and are serving this country every single day.”

The White House had warned that temporary funding President Donald Trump had tapped to pay Transportation Security Administration and other agency personnel would “soon run out,” which sparked new threats of airport disruptions.

US lawmakers on Thursday voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ending a record 76-day partial government shutdown over the federal agency’s immigration enforcement operations. Members of the US House of Representatives approved a Senate-passed bill via voice vote, restoring funding to much of DHS and concluding the longest shutdown in the agency’s history. The federal agency has continued to run without routine funds since 14 February, leading to major disruptions and hours-long wait times at airports across the US. The measure, supported by President Donald Trump, reopens DHS but does not include new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Border Patrol. Also Read: Britain raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ after anti-semitic attack in North London’s Golders Green The bill now goes to the president, who is expected to swiftly sign the legislation. The White House had warned that temporary funding Trump had tapped to pay Transportation Security Administration and other agency personnel would “soon run out,” which sparked new threats of airport disruptions. “It is about damn time,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, who proposed the bill more than 70 days ago. The House swiftly voted by voice, without a formal roll call, to pass the measure. Also Read: ‘Foreigners have no place in Gulf, except at the bottom of its waters,’ says Mojtaba Khamenei in menacing warning to US While the Senate unanimously approved the bipartisan package a month ago, the bill languished in the House. Democrats refused to fund US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol without changes to those operations after the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents during protests against an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Republicans refused to go along with the plan pushed by Democrats to fund TSA and the other parts of DHS without the money for ICE and Border Patrol. Also Read: Two stabbed in North London’s high Jewish population area of Golders Green; suspect arrested To break the impasse, Republicans in both the House and Senate decided to tackle the immigration enforcement funding on their own through what is called budget reconciliation, a cumbersome weekslong process ahead. House Republicans adopted budget resolution on a largely party-line vote, 215-211, that is focused on eventually providing $70 billion for immigration enforcement and deportations for the remainder of Trump's time in office and ensure Democrats can no longer block funding. Trump’s term ends in January 2029. One key Republican, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, said isolating the immigration-related money on a separate track is “offensive to the men and women who serve in ICE and Border Patrol, and are serving this country every single day.”

The White House had warned that temporary funding President Donald Trump had tapped to pay Transportation Security Administration and other agency personnel would “soon run out,” which sparked new threats of airport disruptions.

US House votes to end record govt shutdown over immigration operations, bill goes to Trump’s desk

TSA screening chaos at US airports: While recent headlines focus on Iran-related travel advisories to American fliers, they face more immediate disruption at home. Scroll down for videos. US airports face chaos due to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which funds the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for security screenings. Without funding, TSA screeners have missed work or resigned, and ICE officers are being deployed to assist. Smaller airports could face temporary closures.<h2>TSA staffing crisis, resignations lead to long lines</h2>Since mid-February, tens of thousands of TSA officers have either worked without pay, stayed away, or resigned. Nationwide absenteeism averages around 10 per cent, spiking up to 40 per cent at major hubs. Over 360 TSA officers have resigned, and nearly 50,000 remain unpaid. The result is multi-hour security queues, temporary checkpoint closures, missed flights, and cascading delays. Peak spring break travel has worsened the situation.<h2>Major US airports affected: From Atlanta to Houston</h2>Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported absences up to 38 per cent, with waits exceeding two hours. George Bush Intercontinental in Houston saw lines stretching outside terminals, with TSA absenteeism near 40 per cent. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston reported more than three-hour waits. JFK in New York faced staffing shortages of up to 20 per cent. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported over two-hour waits. Similar disruptions affected Chicago O’Hare, Philadelphia, and airports in Puerto Rico.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iranian-missiles-target-dubai-airport-flights-disrupted-briefly-1773664161540/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iranian-missiles-target-dubai-airport-flights-disrupted-briefly-1773664161540/embed</a><h2>Small airports at risk of complete shutdown</h2>Federal law requires TSA screening for commercial flights. Without it, smaller airports, which operate with minimal staff, could shut down. Acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl warned that airport closures are no longer hypothetical if absentee rates continue rising, especially after another missed pay cycle. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the current disruption as “child’s play” compared to potential nationwide three- to four-hour waits, widespread flight delays, cancellations, and near-gridlock across the US aviation system.<h2>Airports with private contractors fare better</h2>Airports participating in the TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP), where private contractors handle screening under federal oversight, are largely unaffected. Examples include San Francisco International and Kansas City International. Contractors are paid via pre-funded agreements and are not impacted by the shutdown.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aviation-crisis-tsa-unpaid-donald-trump-proposes-ice-takeover-of-airport-security-1774119162561">Aviation crisis: TSA unpaid, Donald Trump proposes ICE takeover of airport security</a><h2>ICE deployment at airports: A questionable choice</h2>To help alleviate congestion, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began deploying officers to major airports. ICE presence aims to support TSA but does not replace screeners. ICE officers are not trained to operate X-ray machines, conduct baggage checks, or perform full screening. Their tasks include guarding exits, checking IDs before screening areas, managing queues, and coordinating crowd flow to allow TSA staff to focus on screening duties.Confirmed or reported airports with ICE presence include Atlanta, JFK and other New York-area airports, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago and Philadelphia. Overall, ICE could be deployed at around 14 major airports, involving hundreds of officers.<h2>Public reaction to ICE deployment at airports: Concerns, fear</h2>ICE deployment has drawn mixed responses. Supporters see it as a practical, short-term measure to reduce delays and maximise federal resources. Critics, including civil liberties groups, worry that ICE’s immigration enforcement role could intimidate travellers and raise tensions in crowded environments. Some express concern about “scope creep,” fearing ICE involvement may extend beyond logistical support.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-canada-plane-collides-with-firetruck-in-new-york-city-s-laguardia-airport-video-1774241250775/amp">'Stop, stop, stop': Air Canada plane collides with firetruck in New York City's LaGuardia airport - VIDEO</a><h2>What US air passengers should know right now</h2>If you are planning to go ato an American airport, arrive at least three hours early, monitor real-time TSA and airline updates, and expect additional ID checks and longer queues. Flexibility for delays or rescheduling is advised.<h2>Perspective: A home-made crisis amid global headlines over Iran travel</h2>While the US State Department issues travel warnings about Iran, domestic airport disruption presents a more immediate challenge. The DHS shutdown, TSA absenteeism, and ICE deployment are creating a fragile, escalating situation for US air travel. The situatio can worsen if congressional funding is not restored soon for DHS.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨🇺🇸 New Orleans airport. The line starts before the airport does. Everyone expects to miss their flight. Houston was 3 hours outside. ICE got deployed this morning. The American airport is having a week.<a href="https://t.co/DPwYzVV1IT">pic.twitter.com/DPwYzVV1IT</a> <a href="https://t.co/FXww3Bjah3">https://t.co/FXww3Bjah3</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2035900920215765310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨HOLY SMOKES!!! The TSA lines in Houston TX have now stretched to a mind-blowing 3 HOURS LONG!!!!! People are literally waiting in lines WRAPPED AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT!!!! THIS IS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/NOgPagsnVl">pic.twitter.com/NOgPagsnVl</a>&mdash; Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattvanswol/status/2035879953535775039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">2-3 hour wait times for TSA security lines currently at IAH airport in Houston Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/f2yAb3VTNl">pic.twitter.com/f2yAb3VTNl</a>&mdash; Sam Dienst (@samdienst) <a href="https://twitter.com/samdienst/status/2034675429793996929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DHS funding crisis leads to TSA screening chaos: US airports face severe delays caused by absenteeism and resignations. ICE officers are being deployed to assist with crowd control but that's not a permanent solution. What you should know if you, or someone you know, is using a US airport

TSA screening chaos at US airports: While recent headlines focus on Iran-related travel advisories to American fliers, they face more immediate disruption at home. Scroll down for videos. US airports face chaos due to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which funds the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for security screenings. Without funding, TSA screeners have missed work or resigned, and ICE officers are being deployed to assist. Smaller airports could face temporary closures. TSA staffing crisis, resignations lead to long lines Since mid-February, tens of thousands of TSA officers have either worked without pay, stayed away, or resigned. Nationwide absenteeism averages around 10 per cent, spiking up to 40 per cent at major hubs. Over 360 TSA officers have resigned, and nearly 50,000 remain unpaid. The result is multi-hour security queues, temporary checkpoint closures, missed flights, and cascading delays. Peak spring break travel has worsened the situation. Major US airports affected: From Atlanta to Houston Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported absences up to 38 per cent, with waits exceeding two hours. George Bush Intercontinental in Houston saw lines stretching outside terminals, with TSA absenteeism near 40 per cent. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston reported more than three-hour waits. JFK in New York faced staffing shortages of up to 20 per cent. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported over two-hour waits. Similar disruptions affected Chicago O’Hare, Philadelphia, and airports in Puerto Rico. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iranian-missiles-target-dubai-airport-flights-disrupted-briefly-1773664161540/embed Small airports at risk of complete shutdown Federal law requires TSA screening for commercial flights. Without it, smaller airports, which operate with minimal staff, could shut down. Acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl warned that airport closures are no longer hypothetical if absentee rates continue rising, especially after another missed pay cycle. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the current disruption as “child’s play” compared to potential nationwide three- to four-hour waits, widespread flight delays, cancellations, and near-gridlock across the US aviation system. Airports with private contractors fare better Airports participating in the TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP), where private contractors handle screening under federal oversight, are largely unaffected. Examples include San Francisco International and Kansas City International. Contractors are paid via pre-funded agreements and are not impacted by the shutdown. Also read: Aviation crisis: TSA unpaid, Donald Trump proposes ICE takeover of airport security ICE deployment at airports: A questionable choice To help alleviate congestion, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began deploying officers to major airports. ICE presence aims to support TSA but does not replace screeners. ICE officers are not trained to operate X-ray machines, conduct baggage checks, or perform full screening. Their tasks include guarding exits, checking IDs before screening areas, managing queues, and coordinating crowd flow to allow TSA staff to focus on screening duties. Confirmed or reported airports with ICE presence include Atlanta, JFK and other New York-area airports, Houston, New Orleans, Chicago and Philadelphia. Overall, ICE could be deployed at around 14 major airports, involving hundreds of officers. Public reaction to ICE deployment at airports: Concerns, fear ICE deployment has drawn mixed responses. Supporters see it as a practical, short-term measure to reduce delays and maximise federal resources. Critics, including civil liberties groups, worry that ICE’s immigration enforcement role could intimidate travellers and raise tensions in crowded environments. Some express concern about “scope creep,” fearing ICE involvement may extend beyond logistical support. Also read: 'Stop, stop, stop': Air Canada plane collides with firetruck in New York City's LaGuardia airport - VIDEO What US air passengers should know right now If you are planning to go ato an American airport, arrive at least three hours early, monitor real-time TSA and airline updates, and expect additional ID checks and longer queues. Flexibility for delays or rescheduling is advised. Perspective: A home-made crisis amid global headlines over Iran travel While the US State Department issues travel warnings about Iran, domestic airport disruption presents a more immediate challenge. The DHS shutdown, TSA absenteeism, and ICE deployment are creating a fragile, escalating situation for US air travel. The situatio can worsen if congressional funding is not restored soon for DHS.

US airports see TSA screening chaos after DHS funding crisis: Flyers see severe delays caused by absenteeism and resignations. ICE officers are being deployed to assist with crowd control. What you should know if you, or peole you know, are using a US airport

It's a MESS: Forget Iran travel warning, US flyers face chaos at home airports due to TSA funding crisis as ICE deploys -  What they should know

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 22) announced that he will deploy US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major American airports starting Monday. The move is a dramatic escalation in the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding standoff that has left the nation’s aviation security on the brink of collapse.&nbsp;"On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that the Radical Left Democrats, who are only focused on protecting hardline criminals who have entered our country illegally, are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to with signed and sealed contracts, and all," Trump posted on Truth Social.&nbsp;Trump's directive comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces a catastrophic staffing crisis. Since the partial DHS shutdown began on February 14, over 300 TSA officers have resigned, and "call-outs" (unscheduled absences) have more than doubled at major hubs like Atlanta, Houston, and New York’s JFK.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-urges-europe-to-join-fight-against-iran-cites-long-range-missile-attack-1774181563562">Netanyahu urges Europe to join fight against Iran, cites long-range missile attack</a>&nbsp;Airport security is currently handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while ICE handles immigration enforcement. Both fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).&nbsp;Senate Democrats withdrew support for DHS funding following the fatal shootings of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Democrats are refusing to pass a full funding bill unless it includes strict reforms, such as requiring judicial warrants for ICE entries and banning agents from wearing face masks.&nbsp;Trump further described Democrats as “lunatics” and said they will criticise ICE no matter how great a job it does, while announcing that Border Czar Tom Homan will be in charge.&nbsp;"No matter how great a job ICE does, the lunatics leading the incompetent Dems will be highly critical of their work. THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB. The great Tom Homan is in charge!!!," Trump added.&nbsp;ICE has been a pillar of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, drawing criticism from Democrats, civil liberties advocates, and immigration advocacy groups.

Trump's directive comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces a catastrophic staffing crisis. Since the partial DHS shutdown began on February 14, over 300 TSA officers have resigned. 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 22) announced that he will deploy US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major American airports starting Monday. The move is a dramatic escalation in the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding standoff that has left the nation’s aviation security on the brink of collapse. "On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that the Radical Left Democrats, who are only focused on protecting hardline criminals who have entered our country illegally, are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to with signed and sealed contracts, and all," Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump's directive comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces a catastrophic staffing crisis. Since the partial DHS shutdown began on February 14, over 300 TSA officers have resigned, and "call-outs" (unscheduled absences) have more than doubled at major hubs like Atlanta, Houston, and New York’s JFK. Also Read: Netanyahu urges Europe to join fight against Iran, cites long-range missile attack Airport security is currently handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while ICE handles immigration enforcement. Both fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Democrats withdrew support for DHS funding following the fatal shootings of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Democrats are refusing to pass a full funding bill unless it includes strict reforms, such as requiring judicial warrants for ICE entries and banning agents from wearing face masks. Trump further described Democrats as “lunatics” and said they will criticise ICE no matter how great a job it does, while announcing that Border Czar Tom Homan will be in charge. "No matter how great a job ICE does, the lunatics leading the incompetent Dems will be highly critical of their work. THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB. The great Tom Homan is in charge!!!," Trump added. ICE has been a pillar of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, drawing criticism from Democrats, civil liberties advocates, and immigration advocacy groups.

Trump's directive comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces a catastrophic staffing crisis. Since the partial DHS shutdown began on February 14, over 300 TSA officers have resigned.&nbsp;

Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week

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US House votes to end record govt shutdown over immigration operations, bill goes to Trump’s desk

US airport chaos: DHS shutdown triggers massive screening delays as ICE deploys

Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week