PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — PHILADELPHIA – The Trump administration is preparing to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports nationwide as Transportation Security Administration officers continue working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Sources told ABC News that hundreds of ICE agents are expected to be sent to 14 airports on Monday, though it remains unclear whether Philadelphia International Airport will be included. The move comes as more than 400 TSA officers have quit and thousands continue to call out.
As long lines persist at security checkpoints, the administration says the additional personnel are intended to ease pressure on TSA staff.
“This is about helping TSA do their mission and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols,” White House Border Czar Tom Homan said. “We’re simply there to help TSA do their job in areas that don’t need their specialized expertise.”
Homan said ICE agents could take over duties such as guarding exits, but some TSA union leaders question how much relief that would provide.
“We only have 3 manned exits in Philly,” said Joe Shuker, regional vice president of AFGE Council 100, which represents about 800 officers at Philadelphia International Airport. “I don’t know how big of a help they would be there.”
Shuker said the plan could create more problems for officers already under strain.
“To bring ICE in, that’s going to be a distraction. We don’t need anymore distractions,” he said. “We’re working looking for IEDs, we’re looking for weapons, and now our guys are stressed out because they can’t pay their bills.”
He added that some officers are calling out to find other income or are quitting altogether. TSA data shows they had their highest callout rate on Saturday since the shutdown began with 21.5% at PHL.
“Pay TSA. Don’t pay ICE to come in and do our jobs. Pay our TSA officers,” Shuker said.
Travelers offered mixed reactions to the potential deployment. Kerry Misner of Detroit, M.I. said, “You’re missing TSA employees that help push the lines through, get people where they need to be safe and instead you’re going to deploy ICE agents who right now are causing a lot of turmoil and fear in this country. That doesn’t make sense.”
But Jim Elliott of Williamstown, N.J., welcomed the idea. “I think it’s awesome. Can’t wait. Help out. Hopefully move things along. I think it would be a different change too,” he said. “Any type of security is welcome.”
The Department of Homeland Security said ICE agents will be sent to airports “being adversely impacted,” but did not specify which locations.
Shuker said that if the government does not reopen by Friday, TSA officers will miss their third full paycheck.
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