WASHINGTON (VINnews) — President Donald Trump said ICE officers will be deployed to airports starting Monday to help reduce long security lines tied to a partial government shutdown that has left TSA agents working without pay.

With staffing shortages leading to long delays at major airports, administration officials said ICE personnel will assist in limited roles to help move travelers through security more quickly, though they will not replace TSA screeners.

The plan comes as airports nationwide report significant backups and increased absenteeism among TSA workers. Officials say thousands have missed shifts or left their jobs amid the funding lapse.

Democrats criticized the move, warning it could create additional complications for airport operations and raise concerns about the use of immigration agents in security roles.