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Travel upheaval continued at some of the nation’s airports on Tuesday as people were forced to navigate long security lines despite President Donald Trump deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to help cut down on wait times. One of the longest security waits was at Bush International Airport in Houston, where travelers stood in a line stretching from the airport subway to the security check-in gates. The airport disruption even delayed a member of the National Transportation Safety Board team who was flying to New York’s LaGuardia Airport to investigate a deadly crash.
Why it matters
Airport security lines are growing nationwide as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, who haven’t received a paycheck for over three weeks, continue to call in sick or quit amid a partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The situation has disrupted travel plans for many passengers and raised concerns about public safety and the impact on the aviation industry.
The details
In three separate incidents, police said Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo vehicles since July by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver’s side mirror, and stomping on the windshield. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.
On March 24, 2026, security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston stretched from the airport subway to the security check-in gates.As of 11 a.m. local time in Houston on March 24, 2026, the wait time to get through security was estimated to exceed four hours.
The players
Jennifer Homendy
Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Ricky Smith
Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Sean Duffy
U.S. Transportation Secretary.
Scott Kirby
CEO of United Airlines.
Katie Britt
Republican Senator from Alabama and a key negotiator in the DHS funding battle.
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What they’re saying
“Consumers should be aware that ticket prices are rising and will need to increase about 20% to cover the surging fuel prices.”
— Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.