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TSA Shutdown Crisis: Airport Delays and Agent Shortages

The partial U.S. government shutdown, starting February 14 over ICE funding, caused significant disruptions at airports. TSA agents worked without pay, leading to high absenteeism and over 500 resignations. Passengers faced hours-long security lines, with airports advising early arrival. Key events included the suspension of Global Entry, firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, deployment of ICE agents to 14 airports, and legislative attempts to resolve the shutdown that failed. By late March, TSA callout rates reached a record 11.83%, exacerbating the crisis.

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TSA Shutdown Crisis: Airport Delays and Agent Shortages

A partial U.S. government shutdown starting February 14 has disrupted airport security operations, causing long lines for passengers and severe staffing issues for TSA agents who are working without pay.

Background

The shutdown resulted from a budget deadlock between Senate Democrats and Republicans over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Impact on TSA Staffing

  • TSA employees are required to work without pay until funding is restored.
  • Many agents are absent due to financial constraints, such as inability to afford gas or childcare.
  • Callout rates surged to a record 11.83% by late March.
  • Over 500 TSA workers resigned by the end of March.
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Passenger Delays and Airport Responses

  • Security lines extended to several hours at major airports like Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans.
  • Airports advised travelers to arrive 4-5 hours early.
  • Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck were temporarily suspended; TSA PreCheck was reinstated quickly, but Global Entry remained halted for over a week.
  • Delta suspended congressional escorts due to the shutdown.

Timeline of Key Events

  • February 14: Shutdown begins due to funding dispute over ICE.
  • February 22: DHS suspends Global Entry and TSA PreCheck; TSA PreCheck suspension reversed hours later. TSA halts congressional escorts.
  • February 27: TSA workers receive partial paychecks covering only the second week of February.
  • March 5: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is fired by President Trump.
  • March 9: Houston airport reports security lines over three hours; advises early arrival.
  • March 11: Global Entry program is reactivated.
  • March 13: Over 300 TSA workers have resigned; first full paycheck missed.
  • March 21: Resignations rise to over 400; President Trump considers deploying ICE agents.
  • March 22: Lines at Atlanta airport exceed several hours; some airports cannot provide wait times.
  • March 23: ICE agents deployed to 14 airports to assist TSA.
  • March 24: Delta suspends congressional escort services.
  • March 26: Nearly 500 TSA workers have quit; callout rate hits 11.83%.
  • March 27: Senate votes to fund DHS except ICE; House rejects plan. White House memo directs DHS to pay TSA despite shutdown.
  • March 30: Some TSA employees receive overdue pay, but not full amounts.

Government and Agency Actions

  • The Senate unanimously approved funding for most DHS, but the House rejected it.
  • The White House issued a memo to pay TSA agents, though the shutdown continued.
  • ICE deployment aimed to alleviate TSA shortages.
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