Federal immigration agents have been ordered to U.S. airports to assist TSA at airport security.
ICE agents are supposed to be at 14 airports across the country, multiple sources familiar with the situation told. ABC News. The number of airports ICE agents could be at could change, as plans are still being ironed out, according to reports.
The decision by President Trump comes amid a budget impasse is drawing concerns that their presence may escalate tensions among air travelers frustrated over long waits and screeners already angry about missed paychecks.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are trained and can assist with airport security.
ICE will be assisting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by guarding exit lanes or checking passenger IDs.
Hundreds of thousands of homeland security workers, including from the TSA, U.S. Secret Service and Coast Guard, have worked without pay since Congress failed to renew DHS funding last month.
While Republicans blame the Democrats blocking funding for DHS to push for policy reforms to ICE, including requiring agents to not wear face masks, wear body cameras and have warrants signed by a judge before entering a home or business, the GOP has refused to consider at least five proposals that would fund DHS.