ICE Agents Are Present in Airports Across the US

In the midst of a government shutdown, Trump sends ICE agents to over a dozen airports

Makayla Morello, News Editor • March 31, 2026

ICE agents seen at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 25, 2026

Published: March 30, 2026

As major airports across the United States grapple with severe delays, a new and highly visible presence has emerged in terminals: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents have been spotted at airports nationwide as operations struggle to keep pace with demand.

This stems from an ongoing funding standoff within the Department of Homeland Security, tied to broader disagreements over immigration policy. In response, Donald Trump ordered the deployment of hundreds of ICE agents to airports across the country, aiming to ease congestion and support the strained Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Hundreds of TSA officers have resigned, while thousands more have called out after missing paychecks during the current partial government shutdown. As a result, security lines have stretched for hours.

Despite their increased presence, ICE agents are not replacing TSA officers or conducting full security screenings. They lack the specialized training required to operate X-ray machines or identify prohibited items. Instead, their role appears to vary. Some reports describe agents assisting with crowd control and logistics, while others indicate they are largely standing by or minimally engaged.

This inconsistency has created confusion about how much the deployment is actually improving wait times. Still, federal officials suggest the presence of ICE could expand to additional airports if disruptions continue. They argue that even limited assistance, such as managing lines or supporting basic operations, can help free TSA personnel to focus on screening passengers more efficiently.

Even while assisting with airport operations, ICE agents retain their primary authority. Immigration enforcement at airports is ongoing, and agents can still question, detain, or arrest individuals for suspected violations. Recent incidents, including arrests tied to prior deportation orders, underscore that enforcement efforts have not been paused.

As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, ICE officers are known to be present at the following airports:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico (SJU)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

To learn more about your rights if you encounter ICE, you can access resources from the National Immigrant Justice Center (https://immigrantjustice.org). Additional helpful organizations include:

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Immigration Rights: https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) in Maine: https://www.ilapmaine.org

Volume 57 Issue 14

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About the Contributor

Makayla Morello, Editor-in-Chief

Makayla Morello is the Editor-in-Chief of The Free Press for the 2026–2027 academic year. A junior at the University of Southern Maine, Morello brings experience in communication and campus advocacy to the role, along with a strong passion for public-interest journalism. Originally from Westbrook, Maine, she has reported on topics ranging from local civic and community issues to higher education and emerging technology, always striving to approach stories with nuance and curiosity.

As Editor-in-Chief, Morello is committed to creating a newspaper that connects and reflects the diverse voices of the USM community. She hopes to expand student involvement in campus media, strengthen investigative reporting, and continue The Free Press’s mission of student-driven journalism that fosters meaningful dialogue both on and off campus.

Morello’s path into journalism began during her second year of college, when she joined The Free Press as a Staff Writer before advancing to News Editor. After discovering a passion for reporting and storytelling, she transitioned from studying Elementary Education to pursuing Media Studies. Outside of journalism, she holds a black belt in karate and enjoys tennis, reading, spending time in nature, and being with family and friends. She received a 2026 Maine Press Association Scholarship and USM’s Promise Scholar Emerging Student Leader Award.