Phoenix Sky Harbor passengers could see ICE agents at security checkpoints

PHOENIX – Passengers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport could see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents working at security checkpoints starting Monday.

President Donald Trump ordered ICE personnel to assist with security at multiple airports due to Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages.

Uniformed ICE agents were seen at the Phoenix airport Monday morning. As a public-use airport, Sky Harbor is subject to federal regulation. Local airport officials said they were notified that ICE agents would arrive to help TSA process passengers.

Hundreds of passengers were waiting in security lines at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Monday morning, and two checkpoints were closed. Due to TSA staffing issues, ICE agents were assisting at security lines.

Colton Krolak is on the scene. pic.twitter.com/Ic23m10sJP

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) March 23, 2026

“We expect all federal officers will operate in accordance with law and in a manner that is consistent with the customer service standards PHX is known for,” Sky Harbor officials said in an FAQ page posted to the airport’s website.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) called Trump’s plan “a disaster waiting to happen.”

“It’s going to continue scaring tourists from traveling here, hurting local small businesses and American workers the most,” Gallego said Sunday in a post on X.

Why is TSA experiencing staffing shortages?

Airports across the nation have been dealing with security checkpoint staffing shortages during the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes TSA.

Democrats are refusing to approve full DHS funding without ICE policy reforms. Republicans, meanwhile, have been pushing to fully fund the department and the agencies under it on a short-term basis.

Republicans have blocked multiple Democratic proposals to fund TSA and other DHS functions, excluding ICE.

TSA has seen an increase in resignations and absences during the funding impasse. The agency’s security workers are classified as essential by the government and must show up for work even when they aren’t getting paid.

Sky Harbor opened a donation center to support federal employees who have been working without pay.

2 security checkpoints closed at Phoenix Sky Harbor

At the Phoenix airport, two of Terminal 4’s four security checkpoints remained closed as of Monday morning. The airport website shows the current wait times.

Passengers can access all of Terminal 4’s gates from any of its checkpoints. The single checkpoint at the smaller Terminal 3 remained open.

Airport officials have been advising travelers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to ensure there is enough time to check bags, pass through security checkpoints and find gates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related

2 Sky Harbor security checkpoints closed due to TSA staffing shortagesSky Harbor airport launches donation drive for unpaid federal workersSAFE Alert issued for man last seen at grocery store in PhoenixSAFE Alert for nonverbal Phoenix 23-year-old man canceled after he was locatedGov. Katie Hobbs would consider sharing data with federal government to fight healthcare fraudArizona police operation leads to 5 men being arrested for luring minor for sexual exploitation