President Donald Trump has praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for their role in alleviating airport congestion during a partial government shutdown triggered by a congressional standoff that halted funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
The president credited the agents with helping travelers navigate extended lines at U.S. airports, a problem stemming from the temporary suspension of Transportation Security Administration operations due to the DHS funding freeze. In recent remarks, Trump described the ICE agents as “Great American Patriots,” noting they possess “much larger, and harder, muscles than most — which is what they’re supposed to have.” He also addressed media claims that ICE would detain U.S. citizens, stating: “They were unfairly maligned by the Lunatic Democrats for years, and now, at airports, in addition to their duties, they are helping people with bags, even picking up and cleaning areas.”
Trump added that Democratic criticism of ICE has backfired: “The fact is, they shouldn’t have to do this. They are rehabbing a fake image given to them by Radical Left Democrat politicians. The Public is loving ICE, so the Democrats, unwittingly, did us a favor.”
According to border czar Tom Homan, 14 U.S. airports have been deployed with ICE agents to address the lines. “If they see criminal activity, just like a law enforcement officer, they should take action,” Homan stated. The president concluded his remarks by thanking ICE for their efforts: “Thank you to ICE for the GREAT job you are doing. America very much appreciates it.”
