Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Long security lines form at airports as TSA agents miss first full paycheck amid DHS standoff
Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced extended waits in security lines on Sunday, with some enduring lengthy delays as they navigated through checkpoints. The congestion emerged shortly after TSA agents overlooked their initial full payment, as the Department of Homeland Security continues to operate without funds. At the domestic terminal, passengers formed parallel queues, with a digital display indicating wait times ranging from four minutes for TSA PreCheck users to over an hour at the main checkpoint.
Despite the extended delays and exhausted faces of those waiting, most travelers remained composed. Hartsfield-Jackson, a major Delta Air Lines hub, is one of the busiest airports in the nation. Laronda Monteiro, a local resident, arrived three hours ahead of her flight to New Orleans, stating it was worth the effort. “I know we have to be secure, and I just appreciate those who are still with TSA, remaining on the job,” Monteiro said in a
quote
. “I can wait for the safety and security.”
Morgan Young, returning to Washington, expressed frustration with the disruptions. “It’s stressful, honestly,” Young said. “I feel like Atlanta airport runs as smooth as possible, but it is stressful for sure. And more stressful for the people who aren’t getting paid and are at work.” Normally using CLEAR, a private security program costing about $200 per person, Young found the option unavailable on Sunday.
Similar frustrations were shared by Ezer Gill, who waited to pass through security before heading home to Fort Lauderdale. He noted the strain on passengers during the government impasse. “Air travel is an essential part of how our country operates, and if we can’t get to where we need to go, it’s going to affect a lot of people,” Gill said in a
quote
. “It’s affecting me and a lot of the other people, I’ve heard.”
Political stalemate impacts TSA operations
Democratic lawmakers have stalled Republican attempts to approve a new funding bill for DHS, raising concerns about how the agency manages immigration enforcement. Funding for DHS expired on Feb. 13, prompting Democrats to demand reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection before approving a new appropriation. TSA workers, classified as essential employees, have been working without full pay since the shutdown began. They received a partial paycheck following the partial shutdown and missed their first complete payment on Friday.
More than 300 TSA staff have resigned since February, according to the agency. The same pattern of delays was observed at airports in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Austin, and Chicago, with videos online highlighting the widespread issue. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a traveler shared a TikTok clip of a winding queue at 2 a.m., advising others to arrive hours early. The video showed the individual missed her 2:30 a.m. flight despite the early arrival.
TSA acknowledged the delays in a social media post, urging Democrats to resolve the partial shutdown. “A $0 paycheck for those continuing to serve,” the agency wrote on X. “Enough is enough. No more playing politics with the lives of Americans.” A DHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Sunday. Anthony Riley, 58, continued working at Syracuse Hancock International Airport during the shutdown but worries about potential homelessness if the situation persists. Riley recounted losing his car during the previous government shutdown and now faces financial uncertainty.
