The assignment of ICE agents occurs in a context of tensions over the funding of the TSA and the partial shutdown of the US federal government, which has directly affected US and Puerto Rico airports. The president of the TSA employees’ union on the Island, Maricarmen García, told EL VOCERO that the situation could extend until April 15, 2026, the date on which a possible resolution is expected. “In the last statement from our boss, he told us he was hopeful that the government shutdown would be resolved before April 15. But so far, officially, the only thing we have been notified of is that that extension could be experienced until April 15,” declared Garcia. The union leader pointed out that, although some TSA employees have resigned nationwide, no resignations have been reported in Puerto Rico so far, despite the long lines and delays faced by passengers.“Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has been one of the airports to which ICE-HSI agents have been assigned to support the TSA’s mission in controlling and managing travelers. Our agency already has a presence at the airport as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative,” explained Colón Pérez in writing.
You can also read: Trump announced he will send ICE agents
The deployment of ICE agents was previously announced by the U.S. border security czar, Tom Homan. In an interview with CNN, Homan explained that the officers will focus on entry and exit areas of airports to free up TSA agents from non-essential tasks and allow them to focus on security checks that require their specific training. “It’s about helping the TSA fulfill its mission and get the American public through that airport as quickly as possible, while meeting all security guidelines and protocols,” Homan said on State of the Union with Dana Bash. The official added that ICE agents will not perform tasks such as operating X-ray machines or specialized checks, but will be limited to complementary functions, such as monitoring exits, with the aim of speeding up the flow of passengers. Homan specified that the plan will be developed together with the heads of ICE and TSA and that a “well-thought-out plan for its execution” will be defined in the coming days.Source: EL VOCERO PR
