Plan to send immigration agents to airports emerges as Newark faces weeks of checkpoint backups and flight delays.
Newark, NJ – A proposal by former President Donald Trump to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist airport security is drawing sharp reaction in New Jersey, where Newark Liberty International Airport has faced weeks of TSA checkpoint delays and flight disruptions. The suggestion comes as federal funding disputes threaten staffing levels at the Transportation Security Administration.
Travelers at Newark have reported extended wait times at security checkpoints and cascading flight delays in recent weeks, raising concerns among state officials about staffing shortages and operational strain at one of the region’s busiest travel hubs. Trump’s proposal, announced Monday, positions ICE agents as a temporary solution if Congress does not approve additional TSA funding.
In a public statement, Trump said, “On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA Agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that the Radical Left Democrats, who are only focused on protecting hard line criminals who have entered our Country illegally, are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to with signed and sealed contracts, and all.” He added, “But watch, no matter how great a job ICE does, the Lunatics leading the incompetent Dems will be highly critical of their work. THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB. The great Tom Homan is in charge!!!”
Key Points
- Newark Airport faces weeks of TSA delays and flight disruptions
- Trump proposes ICE agents to support airport security operations
- Plan tied to ongoing congressional dispute over TSA funding
State officials push back on airport plan
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized the proposal, citing concerns over safety and training at airport checkpoints already under pressure from delays.
“Every time Trump gets involved, he creates chaos for the American people. This latest proposal – deploying ICE agents to airports – is no different,” Sherrill said. “Trump’s ICE has a track record of making communities less safe, and sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution.”
She added, “Instead, it’s time for Donald Trump and Washington Republicans to do their jobs and fund TSA.”
Ongoing delays strain Newark operations
Newark Liberty International Airport, a major gateway serving the New York metropolitan area, has been dealing with persistent security line backups and delayed departures, according to travelers and airline updates. The issues have raised broader concerns about staffing levels and federal support for airport operations as peak travel periods approach.
The proposal to supplement TSA staffing with ICE agents has not been formally implemented, and it remains unclear how such a plan would operate within existing federal aviation security protocols.