‘Situation serious’: TSA chief warns U.S. airports to close during DHS shutdown, says attacks on officers increased by more than 500%

Passengers wait in line at TSA at US airport

An ongoing funding impasse in the US Congress is beginning to put pressure on aviation security operations, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warning of potential airport closures and a sharp increase in workplace challenges, including dealing with attacks in stressful situations.Testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee, Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeil said the current situation is increasingly untenable, citing staffing shortages, financial hardship for workers and operational risks at major airports.“This is a horrific situation,” she testified, warning that the airport could close. “At this point, we have to look at all the options that are on the table. It does require us to make some very difficult choices in part about which airports we might try to keep open as our call rates increase, and which airports we might have to close.”She also noted a significant increase in violence against personnel, noting that TSA officers have faced a more than 500% increase in assaults since the shutdown began. “This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” McNeil said.The agency also faces high absenteeism rates, exceeding 40% at some locations. More than 480 TSA officers resigned during the prolonged shutdown, further exacerbating operational pressures.McNeil highlighted the personal toll suffered by employees, many of whom have not been paid for weeks. “There are people sleeping in their cars, selling blood and plasma, and working second jobs to make ends meet while expecting to perform at the highest level while in uniform to protect the traveling public,” she said.At airports, the impact is already visible. Security queues have stretched for hours in some places, and officials warned delays could worsen if the standoff continues. In Houston, reduced staffing has forced checkpoints to operate at a fraction of normal capacity, leading to wait times of up to four hours.Due to Transportation Security Administration staff shortages during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, ICE agents have been deployed at multiple U.S. airports to assist with identity checks and crowd management. Although trained to use TSA equipment, their expanded role raises concerns among passengers about authority and potential targeting.While Republican leaders have proposed some funding measures, Democrats are pushing for changes to law enforcement practices, including greater oversight and restrictions on operations. Each side accuses the other of prolonging the crisis, with no immediate solution in sight.Beyond aviation safety, officials warn other agencies are also under pressure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund is close to being depleted, raising concerns about its ability to sustain a long-term response if the government shutdown continues.As negotiations stall, officials say risks to critical services ranging from airport security to disaster response are growing.