"At JFK Airport earlier this week, a Gothamist reporter observed at least 15 ICE agents milling about in the terminals while news photographers took their photos. Another reporter witnessed a similar operation at LaGuardia Airport. The reporters did not see any of the immigration agents stationed at secured exits as Homan described."
"Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Lauren Bis did not answer questions as to whether ICE agents deployed to the airports were responsible for guarding exits. In a statement, she said thousands of TSA officers have been calling out sick since the agency shut down more than a month ago over a congressional funding fight."
"President Trump is taking action - deploying hundreds of ICE officers, already funded by Congress, to support airports facing the greatest strain. This step will strengthen TSA operations, help keep our skies safe and reduce disruptions for the traveling public."
ICE agents were deployed to New York City airports to assist TSA amid a government shutdown causing staffing issues. However, reports indicate that these agents are not fulfilling their intended role. Observations showed ICE agents present in terminals but not stationed at exits as claimed. The Department of Homeland Security did not clarify the agents' responsibilities. Advocates question the effectiveness of this deployment, suggesting it may not address the real issues affecting airport security and operations.
Read at Gothamist
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