PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Long lines may not be the only concern at airports across the country, as President Trump said he could place Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at airports to assist with security as soon as Monday.
The partial government shutdown that began last month has led to staffing shortages for the Transportation Security Administration. President Trump threatened in a social media post Saturday that he may bring in ICE officers to help “do the job.”
At Philadelphia International Airport, travelers have been managing day by day, facing long lines. However, now, travelers like Tony and Shadae fear that having ICE agents at airports could complicate matters even further.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s just getting worse. He’s not solving the problem,” said Tony. “I like to travel and stuff, but I don’t want to go through the headaches.”
Shadae agreed, saying it’s terrible timing.
“We’re living in 2026. You’re trying to find joy, and people are still trying to get away to avoid our reality,” she said.
They said, Spring break plans may come to a screeching halt if it means their families having a possible run-in with ICE agents at airports.
Some travelers, however, said an ICE presence would not affect them. Jennifer and Ryan said they would feel safer and that it wouldn’t change their travel plans.
“It won’t change how I’m traveling at all,” Jennifer said. Ryan added, “No impact to me.”
A traveler, Amir, admitted a sense of complacency because he said Philly hasn’t seen much of an uptick in ICE presence as compared to other parts of the country. Now he fears that could change.
“Luckily enough, we haven’t really been impacted, I think,” he said.
“That could be a foolish statement, but there’s somewhat of a false sense of comfort. But in Philly in general, we’ll stand up for ourselves.”
Management at PHL said the matter will be handled by both Homeland Security and ICE. KYW Newsradio reached out to both agencies that have not yet responded.