Travelers at airports across the United States are experiencing significantly longer wait times at security checkpoints as the ongoing government shutdown affects Transportation Security Administration operations.

Passengers have reported extended delays, with some experiencing wait times of three hours or more to clear security and customs. John Hildebrandt, traveling from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Boston, described spending three full hours getting through U.S. customs as part of his return journey.

The delays stem from staffing shortages as TSA employees, classified as essential workers, continue working without pay during the shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security oversees TSA operations, and the agency has warned Congress it may need to close smaller airports if the situation continues.

In response to the operational challenges, the Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports. Officials state these agents are being positioned to help reduce wait times, though their specific duties and authorization in this capacity have not been fully detailed.

The disruptions have prompted some travelers to reconsider or cancel their travel plans entirely as uncertainty continues over when normal operations might resume. The situation affects airports nationwide, with varying degrees of impact depending on facility size and typical passenger volume.