Philadelphia airport travelers adjust to checkpoint closures amid TSA staffing shortages Travelers arriving at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday faced closed security checkpoints as the ongoing federal government shutdown strained TSA staffing levels. While the closures disrupted normal operations, security lines remained shorter than at many other airports nationwide. Passengers reported arriving early to avoid delays, though wait times were generally manageable. One traveler noted, “I’ve been following it for a couple days. I saw they were closing a few more terminals last night, so we got here early.” Despite having TSA PreCheck, some opted to avoid potential delays. Airport officials had already closed Terminal C’s checkpoint the previous week, and additional closures occurred on Wednesday morning at Terminals F and A-West. Only three checkpoints remained operational: Terminals D/E, A-East, and B. Lines fluctuated throughout the day as passengers adapted to the changes. For some, the experience in Philadelphia was less stressful than at other airports. Laurie Segreto of Sarasota, Florida, remarked, “It’s not as bad as what I’ve seen on the news in other airports.” Passengers connecting through Philadelphia from Chicago described the crowds as significantly smaller than those at O’Hare Airport. “58,000 more people than this,” said Brittiney Cousin of Chicago. Elijah Watkins, also from Chicago, added, “The line was ridiculous. The line was way out—people were coming in every second on the second.” TSA officials attributed the checkpoint closures to rising employee callouts during the shutdown. To support federal workers still on duty, American Airlines staff provided free lunches to TSA employees on Wednesday. TSA employee Jeff Craig expressed gratitude, stating, “It means everything.#dhs #tsa #philadelphia #philadelphia_international_airport #american_airlines
Trump border patrol chief Greg Bovino to retire Greg Bovino, the former leader of U.S. Border Patrol under President Donald Trump, has announced his retirement, set to take effect at the end of March. Bovino, who became a prominent figure in Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy, revealed his decision to Breitbart News, though he has not yet completed the formal paperwork required for his exit. His departure marks the end of a nearly three-decade career in immigration enforcement. Bovino oversaw operations in major Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis, where federal agents faced intense scrutiny after shooting and killing two U.S. citizens during confrontations. His role in Minnesota came under particular pressure following the January 2021 fatalities of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which sparked bipartisan condemnation and widespread protests. The Trump administration swiftly removed Bovino from his position as commander-at-large in Minnesota after the incidents, replacing him with Tom Homan. Bovino’s tenure was also marked by controversy. In January 2021, he faced criticism for using offensive language toward Jewish officials during a call. According to CBS, he made disparaging remarks after being informed that Minnesota prosecutor Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, could not attend a meeting due to observing the Sabbath. The incident added to the scrutiny surrounding his leadership. Bovino’s career with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began in 1996, when he joined the agency as a border patrol agent. He was stationed primarily near the California-Mexico border before being appointed to lead Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota under the Trump administration.#trump #minnesota #dhs #greg_bovino #us_border_patrol
US Global Entry Program to Resume Amid DHS Shutdown The Trump administration announced on March 11, 2026, that the Global Entry program would be reinstated, restoring a fast-track system for international travelers that had been suspended during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The decision came as the funding dispute over the agency entered its fourth week, with officials stating the move aimed to reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing government standoff. A DHS spokesperson confirmed the reactivation of Global Entry, set for March 11 at 5:00 AM ET, emphasizing efforts to address the challenges faced by travelers. The program, which allows preapproved citizens and lawful permanent residents to bypass standard passport-control lines using automated kiosks, had been halted on February 22 after the department’s funding lapsed on February 14. At the time, lawmakers failed to agree on a spending bill, leading to the shutdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously directed personnel to prioritize security operations at airports and ports of entry, shifting resources away from the Global Entry program. This decision was quickly reversed for the TSA PreCheck program, but Global Entry remained suspended. The suspension drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and industry groups, who argued it compromised both security and efficiency. The funding lapse stemmed from a broader political dispute over immigration enforcement. Democrats in Congress sought to impose new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requiring judicial warrants for certain home arrests, mandating visible identification for agents, and limiting the use of face coverings during operations.#dhs #global_entry_program #kristi_noem #us_travel_association #tsa_precheck_program
Some advocate for TSA airport security privatization amid shutdown At least one expert suggests the government shutdown may persist for an extended period, creating challenges for TSA agents and travelers as peak spring break travel approaches. Despite smooth operations at Ronald Reagan National Airport, long security lines have emerged at other airports, such as Houston’s Hobby Airport and Armstrong International in New Orleans. These lines, which stretch into baggage claim areas and parking garages, highlight potential disruptions as the shutdown continues. The funding lapse for Homeland Security has forced essential TSA employees to work without receiving their first full paychecks of the year. This situation could lead to agent resignations, increasing tensions at crowded airports. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding to address concerns about ICE and Border Patrol, proposing to separate funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity. Republicans accuse Democrats of creating a political crisis, while Democrats argue they have been in constant communication with the White House. A TSA union representative emphasized that the issue is not partisan and warned that prolonged shutdowns could worsen delays. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operates under a federal program allowing private contractors to manage security screenings while TSA retains oversight. Unlike most airports, which rely on federal TSA officers, SFO’s contractors receive pay from federal contracts, ensuring continuity during shutdowns. SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel noted that payments continue uninterrupted, allowing the airport to maintain operations even during extended shutdowns. This model helped SFO manage screening during last year’s 43-day shutdown.#dhs #tsa #senate_democrats #american_federation_of_government_employees #sheldon_jacobson
Airports face prolonged security delays as TSA staffing shortages persist amid ongoing Homeland Security shutdown Passengers at major U.S. airports endured hours-long waits at security checkpoints on Sunday as the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continued to disrupt operations. Lines at TSA checkpoints stretched for over three hours at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, prompting the facility to advise travelers to arrive four to five hours before their flights. Similar delays were reported at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where passengers were urged to arrive three hours early to avoid lengthy waits. At Hobby Airport, security lines extended beyond the terminal, winding through a parking garage and circling around seven times before reaching the terminal entrance, according to a witness. The airport’s social media post acknowledged the impact of the federal shutdown, stating that TSA workers were experiencing staffing shortages, leading to longer-than-usual lines. Airport staff were deployed to manage the crowds, with the facility emphasizing ongoing coordination with federal partners to address the issue. The delays followed a pattern of operational strain across multiple airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International, and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston. TSA workers, who received only partial paychecks on February 28, are now facing their first full missed paycheck on March 14, exacerbating staffing challenges.#tsa #homeland_security #houston_william_p_hobby_airport #louis_armstrong_new_orleans_international_airport #dhs
