Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Lines stretched through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s domestic terminal on Sunday, causing delays for travelers. The congestion occurred just days after TSA agents missed their first full paycheck, as the Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded. At the airport, passengers formed parallel queues while navigating security checkpoints. A digital display indicated wait times varying from four minutes for TSA PreCheck users to over an hour at the main terminal.
Travelers endure wait times and political tensions
Laronda Monteiro, an Atlanta resident, arrived three hours before her flight to New Orleans, calling it a worthwhile effort. She expressed gratitude for TSA agents continuing their duties despite the financial strain. “I know we have to be secure, and I just appreciate those who are still with TSA, remaining on the job,” Monteiro said. “I can wait for the safety and security.”
“I don’t love” the travel disruptions, admitted Morgan Young, who was returning to Washington. Normally, she uses CLEAR, a private security program costing around $200 per person, but that option was unavailable on Sunday. “It’s stressful, honestly,” Young added. “I feel like Atlanta airport runs as smooth as possible, but it is stressful for sure. And more stressful for the people who aren’t getting paid and are at work.”
Ezer Gill, who waited to pass through security to reach Fort Lauderdale, described the situation as upsetting. “Air travel is an essential part of how our country operates, and if we can’t get to where we need to go, it’s going to affect a lot of people,” Gill said. “It’s affecting me and a lot of the other people, I’ve heard.”
Political deadlock impacts TSA operations
Democratic lawmakers have stalled Republican attempts to pass a new funding bill for DHS, raising concerns about the agency’s handling of immigration enforcement. Funding for DHS expired on Feb. 13, with Democrats pushing for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection before approving a new appropriation.
TSA workers, deemed essential, continue working without full pay. They received a partial paycheck after the shutdown and missed their first full payment on Friday. Over 300 agents have resigned since February, according to the agency. Similar chaos was reported at airports in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Austin, and Chicago, with videos online showing extended waits in major cities.
A traveler at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport shared a TikTok video of a snaking queue at 2 a.m., urging others to arrive early. She had come four hours ahead but still missed her 2:30 a.m. flight. Some commenters noted improved conditions later Sunday, aligning with reports from Austin’s airport, which stated lines were “very long” early on but had eased a few hours later.
TSA calls for resolution amid worker struggles
TSA acknowledged the extended wait times in a Saturday social media post, urging Democrats to end the partial shutdown. “A $0 paycheck for those continuing to serve,” the agency wrote on X. “Enough is enough. No more playing politics with the lives of Americans.”
A DHS spokesperson did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Sunday. Anthony Riley, 58, who has worked at Syracuse Hancock International Airport during the shutdown, voiced worries about his financial stability. He told NBC News last week that he lost his car during the previous government shutdown and has no savings to rely on. “The problem is that my credit rating was wrecked by the last government shutdown,” Riley said.
