Trump threatens to deploy immigration agents to US airports

US President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy ICE immigration agents to US airports if Democrats in Congress do not immediately approve funding for airport security. He wrote on social media that they would provide screening ‘like no one has ever done before’.

His statement comes amid continued funding shortfalls at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

TSA employees are set to miss a second full pay cheque on 27 March, according to US media, adding to pressure on airport operations. As funding constraints persist, some workers have called in sick or resigned in recent weeks, leading to long queues and delays at several major US airports.

According to figures reported by CBS and ABC News, nearly a tenth of TSA officers were absent on some days.

Trump’s move has further escalated a dispute with Democrats over both the department’s funding and immigration policy. As Reuters notes, however, it remains unclear whether ICE agents could take over the roles currently performed by TSA staff at airports.

(reuters, lud)