Atlanta, GA – March 22, 2026 – ICE is coming to the airport.
Amid ongoing travel chaos at the world’s busiest airport, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Sunday, March 22 to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel.
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The deployment comes as a partial government shutdown continues to impact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, leading to widespread TSA staffing shortages, high call-out rates, and security lines stretching for hours.
Travelers reported wait times exceeding three hours in some cases over the weekend, with many passengers missing flights due to the backups.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed the arrival of ICE personnel in a statement Sunday evening, noting that the agents would focus on supporting TSA’s operational needs.
“According to federal officials, these personnel will be assigned to support operational needs directed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including line management and crowd control within the domestic terminals,” Dickens said.
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The move follows an announcement from President Donald Trump, who directed ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday to help relieve pressure on TSA workers who have continued reporting to duty without pay.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan, overseeing the effort, described ICE officers as a “force multiplier” capable of handling tasks such as guarding exit lanes, assisting with crowd flow, and checking identification at certain points—freeing up TSA screeners to focus on core checkpoint duties like X-ray monitoring and passenger screening.
Homan emphasized that ICE agents would not perform specialized TSA functions they are not trained for, such as operating screening equipment. “I don’t see an ICE agent looking at an X-ray machine, because we’re not trained in that,” Homan said in recent interviews. Officials stressed the deployment is not intended for immigration enforcement activities at the airport.
The assistance arrives as Hartsfield-Jackson has faced severe disruptions in recent weeks. TSA call-out rates at ATL have hovered between 30-40% on many days, exacerbated by missed paychecks and frustration among federal workers.
Airport officials have urged travelers to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights and have provided support measures for TSA staff, including meal vouchers, free parking, and MARTA passes.
Local reactions have been mixed. Some travelers welcomed any help to shorten lines, while TSA union representatives and critics expressed concerns about whether ICE personnel—primarily trained in immigration and enforcement—could effectively substitute for experienced screeners. Other
viewed the move as a political response to the funding impasse rather than a long-term solution.
As of Monday afternoon, early reports indicated some improvement in crowd management in domestic terminals, though wait times remained elevated during peak hours. Airport authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with federal partners.
Hartsfield-Jackson remains the nation’s top airport for passenger volume, and officials are urging Congress to resolve the DHS funding standoff to restore normal operations and ensure reliable pay for essential workers.
Travelers can check real-time wait times via the airport’s website or app. ATL officials recommend checking flight status before heading to the airport and preparing for potential delays.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.