As chaos continues to ripple through America’s airports amid a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, Border Czar Tom Homan is making one thing clear: federal immigration officers aren’t just there to help—they’re there to enforce the law.
Appearing on Sean Hannity’s program on March 23, 2026, Homan confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed to assist overwhelmed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff will also be actively making arrests when necessary.
“We’re going to arrest criminals going through the airport,” Homan said bluntly. “We’re going to look for human trafficking, sex trafficking, money smuggling.”
The announcement comes as ICE agents have begun stepping in at airports nationwide, filling critical gaps left by TSA staffing shortages. With DHS funding stalled since mid-February, more than 400 TSA officers have reportedly quit, while others continue working without pay. The result? Security lines stretching up to four hours in some locations, frustrating travelers and raising serious concerns about safety.
Rather than stand by as the system buckles, federal authorities are stepping in.
Homan emphasized that ICE agents are not replacing TSA screeners but instead taking on supporting roles—monitoring entry and exit points, freeing up trained TSA personnel to focus on screenings and keep lines moving. At the same time, ICE is doing what it has always done: enforcing immigration law.
And that includes making arrests.
In fact, such operations are nothing new. Federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, have long maintained a presence at major airports, particularly those handling international travel. These hubs are known hotspots for crimes ranging from human trafficking to financial smuggling.
“Most major airports already have a federal presence,” Homan noted in a separate interview, underscoring that this is an expansion—not a reinvention—of existing enforcement.
Still, the move has sparked predictable outrage from the left.
Over the weekend, ICE agents arrested two individuals at San Francisco International Airport who were reportedly in the country illegally and subject to final removal orders dating back to 2019. According to officials, one of the individuals attempted to flee and resisted arrest.
That didn’t stop critics from rushing to condemn the enforcement action.
Rep. Doris Matsui said she was “deeply angered” by the incident, describing those detained as members of the community. Activists and bystanders echoed similar sentiments, with some labeling the arrests “un-American.”
But for many Americans, the real question is far simpler: since when is enforcing the law controversial?
While some TSA personnel and union representatives have expressed frustration—primarily over pay issues tied to the shutdown—others recognize the practical reality. With staffing stretched thin and security lines growing, additional support is not just helpful—it’s necessary.
And as Homan made clear, that support won’t come at the expense of law enforcement.
The broader debate highlights a familiar divide. On one side are officials prioritizing enforcement and public safety; on the other are critics who argue such measures go too far.
But as airports struggle under the weight of bureaucratic gridlock, the administration’s message is straightforward: America’s security infrastructure cannot simply grind to a halt.
With ICE now stepping in to stabilize operations—and enforce the law in the process—the question for Washington is no longer whether action should be taken, but why it took this long to act.
