Consider This from NPR What could the role of ICE be at airports?
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Mar 24, 2026 Keith Jeffries, former TSA federal security director and now VP at K2 Security Screening Group, brings airport security and staffing expertise. He discusses crowding and heightened security risks from long waits. He explains potential roles for ICE at airports, from crowd management to limited checks. He also covers practical steps airports can take and advice for stressed travelers.
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Traveler Missed Flight After Hours-Long Waits
- Ariana Balsato missed a flight in Houston after waiting three hours the day before and arriving five hours early the next day.
- Her experience illustrates how inconsistent wait times and long lines cascade into expensive rebooking.
Long TSA Lines Raise Real Security Risks
- Long TSA lines create a direct security risk by increasing crowd stress and potential incidents.
- Keith Jeffries says record wait times since 2002 amplify passenger angst and reduce the ability to move people safely through airports.
Local Airport Leaders Control ICE Deployment
- Field federal security directors decide how many ICE agents will be used and which local tasks they perform.
- Jeffries outlines a top-down request from DHS to TSA, then to airport leaders who plan ICE deployment roles.