ICE agents arrive at Sky Harbor Airport amid ongoing DHS shutdown

PHOENIX - ICE agents are at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport as of March 23, as agents were sent to airports across the U.S. to help with TSA staffing amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Big picture view:

At Terminal 4's Checkpoint A, about three ICE agents were seen working alongside TSA agents during the noon hour on March 23. The ICE agents were only seen directing traffic or helping to lift a bag. We did not see them operating any of the security machines at security.

The backstory:

According to the Associated Press, immigration officers are making their way to U.S. airports after President Donald Trump said he’d deploy them to supplement the Transportation Security Administration during a government shutdown that has caused long lines at security checkpoints across the country.

The deployments came as hundreds of thousands of Homeland Security workers, including from the TSA, have worked without pay since Congress failed to renew DHS funding last month. That’s led many TSA agents to call in sick — or even quit their jobs — as financial strains pile up. The staffing shortages have forced some airports to close checkpoints at times, with wait times swinging dramatically for travelers.

TSA officials confirmed on March 23 that on the morning of March 22, more than 20% of TSA workers at Sky Harbor called out.

Local perspective:

"I’m in and out of airports a lot— hasn’t been too bad lately," one traveler said.

The signs made passengers aware that ICE agents are assisting TSA as the partial government shutdown continues.

"If it’s done in a good way, positive way, human way, and not done in an underhanded way, for political agenda, then fine," Paul McDowell of Oklahoma City said. 

TSA agent and Union Rep. Pascual Contreras says he’s not sure what exactly ice agents are doing at the airport but said TSA has specific training that ICE doesn’t have.

"We’re tired, and we’re frustrated," Contreras said. "We don’t believe they’re trained in a way that can help us. Our training is very job specific."

Agents were spotted guiding travelers, but not actually conducting the bag or traveler inspections. 

"When I came in and since I’ve been here, I’ve seen them standing around outside. I don’t know if they are doing anything I don’t know."

What they're saying:

Democrats want reforms at DHS and ICE before funding the department, and local Democratic leaders like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego say bringing in ICE to work security is bringing in amateurs, and creates a risk at airports Americans should not tolerate.

"Bringing ICE into a crowded airport with passengers already stressed because of their travels, because of potential wait times, could turn into a powder keg," said Pascual Contreras, a transportation security officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. "An agency with a budget larger than the U.S. Marine Corps running around, not trained for what we're trained to do, how to deal with the traveling public. It's just not a good thought."

Democrat Congressman Greg Stanton spoke in front of the now closed security checkpoint B because of staffing issues. 

"We all know what will happen many people who have every right to be at an airport and flying to see their loved ones or business or jobs who will be intimidated not to fly," Stanton said. 

The other side:

Republicans are pushing back, saying it's a fine move as they wait for Democrats to approve funding. 

Congressman Paul Gosar said simply, "Dems, do your job, fund the government," while Congressman Andy Biggs said, "They’re going to be there to do what they do best: security perimeter backup logistics that will free up other TSA-trained agents to do the screenings."

He says since ICE is already funded by the so called Big Beautiful Bill, there’s no reason not to give DHS funding.

"This is being done for a political purpose as opposed to policy or spending purpose," Biggs said. 

What we don't know:

TSA says since the partial government shutdown began, more than 400 TSA officers nationally have quit. They didn’t reveal how many specifically at Sky Harbor.

It’s also unknown how many ICE officers are at Sky Harbor; DHS said they won’t say. As for what job functions they’ll perform here, that has also not been confirmed by the department.

What's next:

A spokesperson for Ruben Gallego sent a letter to DHS demanding answers of TSA delays, the presence of ICE, and what training the agents have received to assistant TSA officers. The entirety of the letter can be viewed here. 

A possible reconciliation would allow Congress to approve funding for TSA, Coast Guard and FEMA, while not touching ICE. Reportedly, President Trump denied that plan.