Podcast Summary: Consider This from NPR

Episode: What could the role of ICE be at airports?

Date: March 24, 2026
Host: Scott Detrow
Guest: Keith Jeffries (former Federal Security Director for TSA at Los Angeles International Airport)
Length: ~10 minutes (excluding ads and outro)

Overview

This episode addresses the ongoing chaos at U.S. airports resulting from a six-week partial government shutdown, focusing specifically on the unprecedented deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff. Through conversation with Keith Jeffries, a high-level TSA veteran, the episode examines the impacts of staff shortages, ICE’s evolving role, airport security risks, and practical advice for travelers during this crisis.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Shutdown’s Immediate Impact on Airports

• Long Waits and Frustrated Travelers: Passengers are currently facing hours-long security lines, missed flights, and significant personal costs.
  • Quote: “I had to book a flight for $300...It looks way worse than what it did yesterday.” — Passenger Ariana Bolsitto [00:17]
• TSA Under Duress: TSA agents are working for more than a month without pay, leading to mass callouts and resignations.
• Political Blame: The episode briefly references partisan disputes over the funding impasse and its direct link to the shutdown’s duration.
  • Quote: “Some of them are needing money, you know, because the Democrats cut off their money. I blame the Democrats more than anything else.” — Caller Keith Jeffries (paraphrasing public sentiment) [00:41]

2. ICE’s Deployment and Unclear Role

• Unprecedented Use of ICE Agents: President Trump ordered ICE agents to several airports to support TSA operations.
• Lack of Clarity: Both the specific responsibilities and the measurable impact of ICE agents remain ambiguous, with early reports indicating security line wait times have not improved.
  • Quote: “My understanding is...they’re not doing direct passenger screening, and the initial reports are the wait times have not gone down at all.” — Scott Detrow [04:31]

3. How ICE Support Works at the Ground Level

• Operational Explanation:
  • Headquarters (DHS) identifies hardest-hit airports and dispatches ICE agents accordingly.
  • Local TSA leadership decides how best to utilize ICE agents: likely in crowd control, supervision, or support functions—not direct screening—unless granted further training.
  • Quote: “I highly recommend crowd control, crowd monitoring, and see if that support is there. That’s all I would need them for there.” — Keith Jeffries [05:35]
  • Potential for ICE agents to eventually support document checks or exit lane monitoring with additional, targeted training.

4. Ongoing Security and Customer Service Risks

• Security Risks:
  • Staff shortages and crowding can create vulnerabilities within the aviation sector and lead to heightened stress, both for the public and staff.
  • Quote: “The biggest challenge is the security risk that it brings to the aviation sector—the crowds, the angst, and the shortage of personnel to get them through from point A to point B safely.” — Keith Jeffries [03:34]
• Staff Morale: Many TSA workers feel overburdened but are doing their best under the circumstances.
  • Quote: “They took an oath. They understand the mission and they need to be in there to keep that traveling public safe. And I guarantee you 99% of all of those employees are trying their best to do that.” — Keith Jeffries [07:15]

5. Recommendations and Solutions

• Primary Solution: The ultimate fix rests with lawmakers: pass a funding bill and pay government workers.
  • Quote: “We gotta get these lawmakers to pass a budget and pay these people. That’s step number one.” — Keith Jeffries [06:26]
• Interim Measures:
  • Communication is vital—both with staff and the traveling public.
  • Airport directors should offer support before situations reach a crisis point.
  • Encouragement and empathy from passengers can meaningfully boost staff morale.
  • Advice for Travelers:
    • Be patient, courteous, and thank TSA agents for their service.
    • If faced with an extreme wait time, consider changing plans rather than enduring the risk and stress.
      • Quote: “If you walk into an airport and you’re seeing a four hour wait time, my recommendation… I’m not standing in line four hours either. I’m turning around and going back home. That trip can’t be that important.” — Keith Jeffries [08:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Keith Jeffries, on ICE’s place in airports:
  “Crowd control, crowd monitoring, and see if that support is there. That’s all I would need them for there.” [05:35]
• Keith Jeffries, on security risk:
  “The biggest challenge is the security risk that it brings to the aviation sector—the crowds, the angst, and the shortage of personnel.” [03:34]
• Advice for travelers:
  “The traveling public really needs to understand how much...they turn to that TSA agent or greet them and say, hey, thanks for being here. I know you’re not getting paid, but we appreciate what you’re doing to keep us safe. Something as simple as that truly puts a bounce in their step for the rest of their shift.” [07:45]
• Blunt advice on wait times:
  “I’m not standing in line four hours either. I’m turning around and going back home. That trip can’t be that important.” [08:16]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:35: Setting the scene—traveler frustration and TSA absenteeism heighten due to shutdown.
• 02:49–03:26: Guest introduction—Keith Jeffries joins to discuss operational challenges.
• 03:27–04:00: Security implications of staff shortages.
• 04:31–05:55: ICE’s actual and potential roles at airports explained.
• 06:20–07:26: Solutions: pay workers, keep staff informed, community support.
• 07:27–08:24: Advice for travelers, practical coping strategies, and final thoughts.

Tone & Takeaway

The conversation is pragmatic and direct, emphasizing the substantial operational and security strains at airports due to the shutdown, while demystifying ICE’s supplemental role. Jeffries offers clear, candid advice and underscores the human toll and systemic vulnerabilities created by political stalemate. The episode concludes with a strong message to both lawmakers and the traveling public: swift legislative action is vital, but patience and empathy are indispensable in the meantime.