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Travelers across the U.S. are currently facing extremely long airport security wait times at multiple major airports. The crisis is caused by a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, leaving roughly 50,000 TSA officers working without pay for over a month. This financial strain has led to absentee rates hitting nearly 40% in cities like New Orleans. Compounded by a record-breaking spring break season, the lack of TSA staff has forced some airports to close checkpoints entirely, leading to lines that snake out of terminals and onto the streets. President Trump announced that starting March 23rd, ICE agents will be deployed to airports around the country to “assist” TSA workers. Follow @smokecenter for more.