Donald Trump says he may deploy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to U.S. airports as soon as Monday if Democrats don’t agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the ongoing partial shutdown.
Funding Fight Intensifies
The standoff comes after Democrats blocked multiple GOP-backed funding bills, demanding policy changes to immigration enforcement. Republicans have rejected those conditions, leaving key agencies like Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency underfunded.
Trump said ICE could take on expanded security and immigration enforcement roles at airports, though specifics remain unclear.
Impact on Travelers and Workers
The shutdown has already hit airport operations nationwide. Thousands of TSA workers have missed paychecks, and travelers are reporting long lines and delays.
Ongoing Negotiations
Talks continued this week, led by border adviser Tom Homan, with lawmakers signaling some progress but no deal yet.
Meanwhile, Senate leaders including John Thune and Chuck Schumer remain divided, with Democrats pushing for immediate TSA funding while broader immigration negotiations continue.
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