Trump Ally Used ICE to Deport Ex-Partner, Gain Custody of Child
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will begin assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel at airports nationwide on Monday, March 23, according to a statement released Sunday by President Donald Trump. The move comes amid an ongoing partial government shutdown and increasing delays for spring break travelers.
Trump announced the deployment in a social media post, stating that ICE agents would be deployed to “help our wonderful TSA Agents” who have continued working despite the lack of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding agreement. He accused “Radical Left Democrats” of endangering the country by withholding funds previously agreed upon.
The President also indicated that ICE agents may conduct immigration enforcement activities during the airport deployment, specifically mentioning the potential for arresting individuals who have entered the United States without authorization, with a particular focus on those from Somalia. This aspect of the plan remains unclear, as Customs and Border Protection agents typically handle immigration control at airports.
The deployment is a direct response to a stalemate in Congress over DHS funding. According to the New York Times, the action is being interpreted as a threat intended to pressure Democrats into approving a new budget for the department. The Associated Press reported that Trump first threatened the deployment on Friday, March 20, before departing on Marine One.
Travelers have experienced longer wait times at airports across the country due to a shortage of TSA workers, with approximately 50,000 TSA employees working without pay as a result of the shutdown. The USA Today reported that the announcement was made as spring break travel increases, exacerbating the existing strain on airport security.
The move to utilize ICE at airports is unusual, as airport security is traditionally handled by the TSA. The Guardian noted that ICE’s primary function is immigration enforcement, and the agency has been a central component of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, drawing criticism from various groups.
Trump’s statement on Sunday reiterated his criticism of immigrants from Somalia, alleging, without providing evidence, that they have “totally destroyed” Minnesota. He has previously made similar xenophobic remarks about Somali immigrants, including comments directed at Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
As of Sunday, March 22, it remains unclear whether the ICE deployment will solely involve assisting TSA agents with security screenings or will also encompass broader immigration enforcement efforts. The White House has not provided further details regarding the scope of the operation or specific protocols for ICE agents at airports.