ICE to begin assisting TSA agents at BWI-Thurgood Airport
ICE will begin assisting TSA agents at BWI starting Saturday afternoon, according to a statement from the airport.
This comes as security wait times continue to surge during spring break travel in Maryland.
The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) was reportedly told by ICE that DHS agents, including Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel, would be deployed to the airport's security checkpoints.
According to the MAA, ICE's primary function is security operations, not immigration enforcement.
Primary aviation security functions will be conducted by trained TSA personnel, while ICE agents will provide "operational support for TSA to speed up the clearance process for passengers," MDOT confirmed.
Governor Moore's response
Maryland Governor Wes Moore took to Twitter following the announcement, voicing frustration as the federal government remains shut down and TSA agents unpaid.
"The Maryland Aviation Administration has been informed that ICE is deploying additional personnel to @BWI_Airport starting today. We have been told by ICE their personnel will provide operational support and assist at @TSA security checkpoints to speed up the clearance process for passengers — not immigration enforcement. Passenger and baggage screening responsibilities will remain with trained, skilled TSA personnel. Americans are sick and tired of Washington's dysfunction. The federal government needs to get its act together, pay TSA officers, and stop asking ICE agents to do work far outside their scope. As airports across the country continue to deal with long waits, travelers with upcoming flights should plan ahead, arrive early, and closely monitor airport and airline updates."
ICE agents deployed to U.S. airports
On Monday, ICE agents began deploying to airports around the country due to TSA shortages, resulting in longer-than-usual security clearance lines.
WJZ's Dennis Valera spoke with travelers at BWI, who had mixed feelings about the news.
"I think what we need to do is get the funding back, so that way we can bring back the TSA agents," Oprea Jackson said, emphasizing that the move wasn't necessary.
Another traveler chimed in, stating that if agents could conduct operations safely, it might be helpful.
"If they were to somehow kind of tighten their ability to govern safely and effectively -- and not impact the citizens and others in harmful ways -- I think it could be useful," said Andwar Hughes-Crawford, traveling back home to Florida.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, confirmed with CBS News that ICE agents were deployed to 14 U.S. airports as of March 23.