President points to enforcement opportunities as agents assist TSA during prolonged DHS shutdown.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Monday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed to U.S. airports during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown would have opportunities to carry out immigration enforcement actions while assisting with security operations.
ICE personnel have been assigned to support Transportation Security Administration functions amid staffing shortages and absenteeism tied to the shutdown, which has now extended beyond one month.
Speaking to reporters in comments reported by The Hill, Trump said the deployment offers additional enforcement potential. “They love it because they’re able to now arrest illegals as they come into the country. It’s very fertile territory,” he said.
The move comes as airport operations face strain from reduced staffing levels, prompting the administration to shift federal personnel to maintain screening and passenger flow.
The deployment has drawn opposition from Democratic lawmakers, some of whom have declined to support measures to end the shutdown as negotiations over immigration policy continue.
The situation remains unresolved as federal agencies continue operating under limited capacity while discussions over funding and policy remain ongoing.
Original article
Comments