Philadelphia travelers react after Trump says ICE agents will help TSA at airports amid partial shutdown

As Transportation Security Administration officers continue working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, President Trump is suggesting a new approach to airport security.

In a social media post Saturday, President Trump said that if Congress does not immediately pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, he would move Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into airports to handle security. In another social media post Sunday, Mr. Trump said that ICE agents will go to airports on Monday to assist TSA at airports, but he didn't specify which ones.

"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," Mr. Trump said.  

For now, there are no announced changes to airport security operations at Philadelphia International Airport. A spokesperson for PHL directed CBS News Philadelphia to DHS for comment.

When asked how airports, including PHL, would find out whether ICE will assist them amid the partial government shutdown, DHS didn't provide specifics.

"President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours long lines at airports across the country—especially during this spring break and holiday season that is very important for many American families," the spokesperson said in part. 

On Saturday, about 21.5% of TSA workers at PHL called out of work, according to DHS. Three of the airport's eight security checkpoints remained closed due to TSA staffing shortages. Wait times at checkpoints for terminals D and E fluctuated throughout the afternoon on Sunday, from virtually no line to more than a 30-minute wait.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that the TSA staffing shortages could get worse.

"If this Homeland Security funding isn't resolved, I think you're going to see more TSA agents as we come to Thursday, Friday, Saturday of next week, they're going to quit, or they're not going to show up," Duffy said.

Travelers have mixed reactions to ICE agents potentially helping TSA at PHL

At PHL, some travelers questioned whether ICE agents would be equipped to take on airport security roles.

"I think having ICE agents wouldn't be appropriate," Savannah Sorowice said.

One airport worker said they feel ICE agents would be more than qualified to help.

Lamar Weaver, who was traveling to Cincinnati, raised concerns about training and preparedness.

"Are they going to handle it the way it's supposed to be handled?" Weaver said. "Do they have the emotional intelligence to do it the way it's supposed to be done?"

Weaver said the issue hits close to home. 

"I have a godmother that works in TSA, so I know firsthand the things that happen or the downfalls that happen when they're not paid," Weaver said.

DeMarcus Davis, who was traveling to Puerto Rico, said he supports the idea.

"If it's making America safe, why not?" Davis said. "Any help is better than no help."

Mr. Trump has not outlined what specific roles ICE agents would take on at airports but said they would be prepared to arrest people who are in the country illegally.

Cinderella Rivenburg, who was flying to Tokyo, said her concerns go beyond logistics.

"It is a bit scary because a lot of the news that we hear about ICE is very frightening," Rivenburg said.

"ICE agents here would cause a very stressful traveling environment that wouldn't lead to better lines, smoother efficiency," Dan Levine said.

Philadelphia area officials react to Trump's announcement about ICE at airports

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Mr. Trump's proposal to send ICE to airports would be "chaos for the American people."

"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," Sherill said in a statement in part. "Instead, it's time for Donald Trump and Washington Republicans to do their jobs and fund TSA."  

Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, who both represent Pennsylvania, also reacted to Mr. Trump's announcement. 

"Americans are paying the price for Democrats' shutdown politics," McCormick wrote Sunday afternoon. "@TSA officers are working without pay. Travelers at Philadelphia International Airport are feeling the impact. Fund DHS. Pay TSA. Keep Pennsylvania moving."

"This morning at PIT, so many TSA employees expressed their appreciation for standing with them and shared their financial hardship," Fetterman wrote Sunday morning. "End this ridiculous DHS shutdown NOW. Pay these hardworking TSA agents and all DHS employees who collectively keep our country more secure."

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's office declined to comment on this story.