U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were present at O’Hare International Airport Monday, after the Trump administration said agents would be deployed to airports nationwide to help amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
At least three agents in ICE gear were seen at Terminal 3 around 10 a.m. Monday morning.
A day after saying he would use immigration officers for airport security starting Monday unless Democrats agreed on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Trump made clear Sunday that he was going ahead with the plan to assist the Transportation Security Administration.
O’Hare was among 13 airports included in a list of where ICE agents would be present to assist, according to CNN.
White House border czar Tom Homan said in Sunday news show interviews that the increased role of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement at airports was subject to discussions with the leadership of TSA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement “to find out where we can fit in.” Immigration officers, as an example, could cover exits currently monitored by TSA agents, freeing them to work screening lines, or have ICE agents check identification before people enter screenings areas.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contributing Violet Miller