The US airport security screening staff crisis is dragging on, as lawmakers could not agree on a budget for the Department of Homeland Security, which funds the Transportation Security Administration, responsible for the checks at hundreds of US airports. DHS has been without full funding since 14 February, creating a weeks-long gap that led to many TSA staff quitting or not reporting to work. Amid the Iran war, airports could become vulnerable to targeting by state or non-state actors.&nbsp;<h2>Why security screenings by TSA is important for US airports</h2>TSA, created after the 9/11 terror attacks, checks every passenger and bag before flights. Its main mandate is to stop attacks on planes and airports, and without checks, a passenger cannot fly.But now, Congress gridlock over DHS funding is affecting TSA shortages. Democrats and Republicans are unable to agree on a funding deal for DHS, and by implication, TSA.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-s-going-on-at-newark-airport-flight-operations-stopped-after-control-tower-evacuation-1774269880676">What’s going on at Newark airport? Flight operations stopped after control tower evacuation</a><h2>Funding gridlock over ICE is affecting entire DHS budget</h2>The disputes involve immigration enforcement policies and ICE funding. Democrats refuse to approve money for DHS without reforms, while Republicans tie DHS funding to strict immigration rules. Both sides are digging in, even as ICE has now been deployed at some airports. President Donald Trump even threatened to deploy the National Guard at airports.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-deploys-ice-agents-to-14-airports-amid-travel-chaos-wion-1774405765845/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-deploys-ice-agents-to-14-airports-amid-travel-chaos-wion-1774405765845/embed</a><h2>TSA officers are 'essential' to security, but many are working without pay</h2>Many TSA officers are staying away, and several of those at airports are working without pay. Since they are classified as “essential”, TSA officers must show up for work, pay or no pay. According to some reports, up to 10 per cent of TSA officers called in sick on a single day.More than 360 resigned since the shutdown began. Many of them are missing out on paying rents and face evictions, while others are doing second jobs to pay bills.<h2>Screening lines grow at airports; ICE stand‑ins cannot fill gaps</h2>Wait times at some airports, including Atlanta and Houston, are up to four hours, as staffing gaps have directly led to slow screening lines.Small airports could partially close if screening fails, given that it is mandatory for flying.ICE agents are not specifically trained in TSA-level security screening. They cannot operate X-ray machines or interpret explosive detection results. At best, they can check IDs and immigration status of passengers.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>American airports are vulnerable to security breaches right now</h2>The combination of untrained personnel, lesser-trained screeners from TSA, and fears over ICE agents could expose airports to serious security concerns even as global tensions rise due to the Iran war.Intelligence agencies have warned of attempts to target US interests abroad and at home. Airports are very symbolic and practical targets, going by past experience. Any attack could potentially cause mass casualties, disrupt commerce, and shatter public confidence.Long lines mean less focus on security, and fewer trained eyes mean a greater risk of dangerous items slipping through. Unpaid workers under stress are more likely to make errors.<h2>TSA chief issues warning</h2>The acting TSA chief, Ha Nguyen McNeill, told Congress that budget uncertainty will “pose significant challenges” to security operations.The political fights in Washington over funding DHS could have dire consequences on the front lines of national security.An unfunded DHS and a depleted TSA can expose the homeland of America to threats from enemies who are constantly watching for weaknesses. This risk of airports becoming sitting ducks rises at a time when adversaries have the intent to strike the mainland.It is time for US lawmakers to reach a DHS funding deal, or airport security may worsen, as does the risk to American travellers and the nation itself.

US airport security is under strain as TSA staff work without pay amid DHS funding deadlock amid global tensions. Delays, resignations, and ICE stand-ins heighten risks, leaving airports vulnerable to security breaches amid Iran war 

The US airport security screening staff crisis is dragging on, as lawmakers could not agree on a budget for the Department of Homeland Security, which funds the Transportation Security Administration, responsible for the checks at hundreds of US airports. DHS has been without full funding since 14 February, creating a weeks-long gap that led to many TSA staff quitting or not reporting to work. Amid the Iran war, airports could become vulnerable to targeting by state or non-state actors. Why security screenings by TSA is important for US airports TSA, created after the 9/11 terror attacks, checks every passenger and bag before flights. Its main mandate is to stop attacks on planes and airports, and without checks, a passenger cannot fly. But now, Congress gridlock over DHS funding is affecting TSA shortages. Democrats and Republicans are unable to agree on a funding deal for DHS, and by implication, TSA. Also read: What’s going on at Newark airport? Flight operations stopped after control tower evacuation Funding gridlock over ICE is affecting entire DHS budget The disputes involve immigration enforcement policies and ICE funding. Democrats refuse to approve money for DHS without reforms, while Republicans tie DHS funding to strict immigration rules. Both sides are digging in, even as ICE has now been deployed at some airports. President Donald Trump even threatened to deploy the National Guard at airports. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-deploys-ice-agents-to-14-airports-amid-travel-chaos-wion-1774405765845/embed TSA officers are 'essential' to security, but many are working without pay Many TSA officers are staying away, and several of those at airports are working without pay. Since they are classified as “essential”, TSA officers must show up for work, pay or no pay. According to some reports, up to 10 per cent of TSA officers called in sick on a single day. More than 360 resigned since the shutdown began. Many of them are missing out on paying rents and face evictions, while others are doing second jobs to pay bills. Screening lines grow at airports; ICE stand‑ins cannot fill gaps Wait times at some airports, including Atlanta and Houston, are up to four hours, as staffing gaps have directly led to slow screening lines. Small airports could partially close if screening fails, given that it is mandatory for flying. ICE agents are not specifically trained in TSA-level security screening. They cannot operate X-ray machines or interpret explosive detection results. At best, they can check IDs and immigration status of passengers. Also read: Aviation crisis: TSA unpaid, Donald Trump proposes ICE takeover of airport security American airports are vulnerable to security breaches right now The combination of untrained personnel, lesser-trained screeners from TSA, and fears over ICE agents could expose airports to serious security concerns even as global tensions rise due to the Iran war. Intelligence agencies have warned of attempts to target US interests abroad and at home. Airports are very symbolic and practical targets, going by past experience. Any attack could potentially cause mass casualties, disrupt commerce, and shatter public confidence. Long lines mean less focus on security, and fewer trained eyes mean a greater risk of dangerous items slipping through. Unpaid workers under stress are more likely to make errors. TSA chief issues warning The acting TSA chief, Ha Nguyen McNeill, told Congress that budget uncertainty will “pose significant challenges” to security operations. The political fights in Washington over funding DHS could have dire consequences on the front lines of national security. An unfunded DHS and a depleted TSA can expose the homeland of America to threats from enemies who are constantly watching for weaknesses. This risk of airports becoming sitting ducks rises at a time when adversaries have the intent to strike the mainland. It is time for US lawmakers to reach a DHS funding deal, or airport security may worsen, as does the risk to American travellers and the nation itself.

US airport security is under strain as TSA staff work without pay amid DHS funding deadlock amid global tensions. Delays, resignations, and ICE stand-ins heighten risks, leaving airports vulnerable to security breaches amid Iran war&nbsp;

US airport security chaos couldn’t have come at a worse time as DHS funding politics hits TSA screenings amid Iran war

Air travel across the United States is facing major disruption as severe staffing shortages hit the TSA, leaving passengers stuck in long security lines and missing flights. Hundreds of officers have quit while many others remain absent amid unpaid work during the ongoing crisis. To manage the situation, authorities have deployed ICE agents at major airports, a move that has sparked political backlash and raised concerns over security and passenger tensions.


USA: Trump Deploys ICE Agents To US Airports Amid TSA Staff Shortages

Officials in America have expressed concern over the exponential rise of loaded guns being found in passenger bags during airport checkout.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in 2022, 6,542 guns were found in carry-on bags—equivalent to 18 per day— at checkpoints, the highest ever. Texas and Georgia airports reported the most incidents.

Of them, 88 per cent of the guns caught last year were loaded, according to a graphic released by the TSA. In 2021, 5,972 guns were found.

Most of the travellers with guns at airports claimed that they forgot they had a gun with them,&nbsp;reports AP news agency.

"What we see in our checkpoints really reflects what we're seeing in society, and in society, there are more people carrying firearms nowadays," TSA administrator David Pekoske told the AP.

Two states contributed to six of the top 10 airports with firearm incidents last year. Three airports in Texas —Dallas, Houston, and Austin reported 833 cases in 2022.

Another 427 cases were reported by three airports in Florida —Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.

The guns are confiscated based on different local and state laws. But TSA fines them as much as $14,950. Passengers if found violating the laws can lose their PreCheck status.

Even though passengers are allowed to carry unloaded firearms inside checked luggage, they are required to tell the airline they intend to travel with weapons at check-in.

However, guns are not allowed in carry-on bags or passenger cabins, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit.

Experts point out that the trend of carrying loaded guns reflects the deep-rooted problems the country is facing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials in America have expressed concern over the exponential rise of loaded guns being found in passenger bags during airport checkout. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in 2022, 6,542 guns were found in carry-on bags—equivalent to 18 per day— at checkpoints, the highest ever.

Officials in America have expressed concern over the exponential rise of loaded guns being found in passenger bags during airport checkout. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in 2022, 6,542 guns were found in carry-on bags—equivalent to 18 per day— at checkpoints, the highest ever. Texas and Georgia airports reported the most incidents. Of them, 88 per cent of the guns caught last year were loaded, according to a graphic released by the TSA. In 2021, 5,972 guns were found. Most of the travellers with guns at airports claimed that they forgot they had a gun with them, reports AP news agency. "What we see in our checkpoints really reflects what we're seeing in society, and in society, there are more people carrying firearms nowadays," TSA administrator David Pekoske told the AP. Two states contributed to six of the top 10 airports with firearm incidents last year. Three airports in Texas —Dallas, Houston, and Austin reported 833 cases in 2022. Another 427 cases were reported by three airports in Florida —Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. The guns are confiscated based on different local and state laws. But TSA fines them as much as $14,950. Passengers if found violating the laws can lose their PreCheck status. Even though passengers are allowed to carry unloaded firearms inside checked luggage, they are required to tell the airline they intend to travel with weapons at check-in. However, guns are not allowed in carry-on bags or passenger cabins, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit. Experts point out that the trend of carrying loaded guns reflects the deep-rooted problems the country is facing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US officials alarmed over rise in loaded gun seizures across airports

Some of the US airport websites were hit by a cyber attack. Though there are no concrete reports on disruptions in services, the sites were not offline but they were overloaded from fake web users.

World Business Watch: US airport websites hit by cyber attacks

Thousands of travelers at U.S. airports faced delays on Friday because of an nationwide outage of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) processing systems that lasted several hours.

Thousands of travelers delayed at US airports due to technical glitch

United States airlines are ready with new security measures that include stricter passenger screenings on all US-bound flights as they meet the 120-day deadline of the Trump administration designed to avoid an in-cabin ban on laptops.

The measures include short security interviews with passengers which would be in place by Thursday, Reuters quoted Airlines as saying.

The US announced the new rules in June to end its restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes from 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

The restrictions were imposed in response to unspecified security threats and were lifted in July.

The Trump administration, however, said it could reimpose measures on a case by case basis if airlines and airports did not boost security.

European and US officials told Reuters at the time that airlines had 120 days to comply with the measures, including increased passenger screening.&nbsp;

The 120-day deadline is Thursday. Airlines had until late July to expand explosive trace detection testing.

The new security measures will affect 325,000 airline passengers on about 2,000 commercial flights arriving daily in the United States, on 180 airlines from 280 airports in 105 
countries, Reuters reported.

Lufthansa Group said on Tuesday the measures would be in place by Thursday and travelers could face short interviews at check-in or at the gate. Economy passengers on 
Lufthansa&#39;s Swiss airline have been asked to check in at least 90 minutes before departure.

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said it would suspend in-town check-in and self bag-drop services for passengers booked on direct flights to the United States. The airline said passengers would also have short security interviews and it has advised travelers to arrive three hours before departure.

Airlines for America, a US trade group, said the changes &quot;are complex security measures&quot; but praised US officials for giving airlines flexibility in meeting the new rules.

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines Director General Andrew Herdman said having a globally coordinated security approach made more sense than having destination-specific 
requirements.

&quot;This is not a positive,&quot; he said of the US measures at an industry conference in Taipei. &quot;It adds complexity.&quot;

US authorities in June also increased security around aircraft and in passenger areas, and other places where travelers can be cleared by US officials before they depart.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in July it was imposing new security rules requiring US domestic airline travelers to remove all electronic items larger than mobile phones such as tablets, e-readers and video game consoles from carry-on baggage for screening.

The measures include stricter passenger screenings and short security interviews with passengers

United States airlines are ready with new security measures that include stricter passenger screenings on all US-bound flights as they meet the 120-day deadline of the Trump administration designed to avoid an in-cabin ban on laptops. The measures include short security interviews with passengers which would be in place by Thursday, Reuters quoted Airlines as saying. The US announced the new rules in June to end its restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes from 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The restrictions were imposed in response to unspecified security threats and were lifted in July. The Trump administration, however, said it could reimpose measures on a case by case basis if airlines and airports did not boost security. European and US officials told Reuters at the time that airlines had 120 days to comply with the measures, including increased passenger screening. The 120-day deadline is Thursday. Airlines had until late July to expand explosive trace detection testing. The new security measures will affect 325,000 airline passengers on about 2,000 commercial flights arriving daily in the United States, on 180 airlines from 280 airports in 105 countries, Reuters reported. Lufthansa Group said on Tuesday the measures would be in place by Thursday and travelers could face short interviews at check-in or at the gate. Economy passengers on Lufthansa's Swiss airline have been asked to check in at least 90 minutes before departure. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said it would suspend in-town check-in and self bag-drop services for passengers booked on direct flights to the United States. The airline said passengers would also have short security interviews and it has advised travelers to arrive three hours before departure. Airlines for America, a US trade group, said the changes "are complex security measures" but praised US officials for giving airlines flexibility in meeting the new rules. Association of Asia Pacific Airlines Director General Andrew Herdman said having a globally coordinated security approach made more sense than having destination-specific requirements. "This is not a positive," he said of the US measures at an industry conference in Taipei. "It adds complexity." US authorities in June also increased security around aircraft and in passenger areas, and other places where travelers can be cleared by US officials before they depart. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in July it was imposing new security rules requiring US domestic airline travelers to remove all electronic items larger than mobile phones such as tablets, e-readers and video game consoles from carry-on baggage for screening.

New security rules for US-bound air passengers kick-off Thursday

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