ICE agents at Atlanta airport after Trump order during partial shutdown

by Atlanta First News staff, Adam Murphy

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were out in force Monday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as long lines stretched outside into the drop-off area.

Atlanta News First reporter Mary Kate Hamilton saw ICE agents that appeared to be fully armed meeting with TSA agents.

The agents were deployed by the White House to help aid TSA workers, and hopefully bring down wait times.

“Their responsibility right now as a support to TSA is to monitor crowds and help maintain order,” Airport General Manager Ricky Smith said.

On Monday, the callout rate for TSA agents was around 36%, according to officials.

READ: Why aren’t TSA agents getting paid?

Traveler Michael Montisano says he didn’t see an impact.

“They’re here, they’re not helping. But I didn’t expect them to either. It’s not their job,” Montisano said. “You can’t expect them to help people through, they’re not trained in it.”

Accompanying the ICE agents were Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) enforcement officers.

Federal agents watch as people wait in a TSA line at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Emilie Megnien)

Traveler Amy Schwartz worries the added law enforcement presence could raise tensions.

“TSA workers need the help, but ICE isn’t the answer,” she said. ”I think just the mass of people, I think there’s tension already. And to turn around and throw ICE in it when everything’s happening around our states, I think it’s just bad energy honestly."

Security lines stretched outside the airport early Monday with many travelers unsure about which lines to get into.

Hartsfield-Jackson officials recommend all travelers arrive at the airport at least four hours before boarding.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said that ICE agents will be tasked with helping TSA workers with security lines. They won’t do immigration enforcement.

One traveler called on politicians to fund TSA workers immediately.

“Our money and our taxes pay for these people to come to an agreement and the fact that they are choosing not to it’s not going to look well for them in the polls,” Traveler Janis Smith said.

TSA lines are longer than ever at Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta Airport on Monday.

“According to federal officials, these personnel will be assigned to support operational needs directed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including line management and crowd control within the domestic terminals,” Dickens said..

The Atlanta Police Department said it has sent additional personnel to the airport to “assist with line management and crowd control efforts.”