Airports experiencing stress because of long wait times at TSA security checkpoints has led to the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at many locations in the U.S. this week.
One of those airports is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers.
Why are ICE agents at RSW in Fort Myers?
On Monday (March 23) ICE agents appeared in the RSW terminal, providing another layer of support for the TSA, whose employees have not been paid because of a partial government shutdown. This has led to the longer wait times, especially at major airports like in Atlanta.
Absences among TSA workers reached their highest levels over the weekend since the partial shutdown began five weeks ago, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency said more than a third of staff at airports in Atlanta, Houston and New York City were absent or called in sick.
Photos show ICE agents inside the terminal at RSW in Fort Myers
As of Monday, RSW was the only Florida airport with ICE agents on the ground. RSW is a hot spot because of tourists coming here for spring break and the high volumes of people brings with it a potential for longer wait times due to the time of year…