1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned Washington resident regarding the recent decision to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports to address TSA staffing shortages, as reported by NPR. According to reporting, this deployment is happening amid a prolonged federal shutdown that has left TSA agents unpaid, resulting in significant staffing gaps and long security delays. ICE agents—who are not trained for aviation security—are being reassigned to assist at airport checkpoints or surrounding areas, raising serious concerns about safety, oversight, and the scope of their authority. There are also conflicting reports about what ICE agents will actually do at airports, including whether they may engage in immigration enforcement activities in these spaces. This ambiguity creates risk for travelers, particularly immigrant communities, and raises questions about civil liberties and proper federal roles. While airport security is a federal function, the presence of ICE in Washington’s airports directly impacts the safety, rights, and confidence of Washington residents. I respectfully urge you to: 1. Request immediate clarification from federal agencies (DHS, TSA, ICE) regarding whether Washington airports will be affected and what authority ICE agents will exercise. 2. Direct state agencies and airport authorities (e.g., Port of Seattle) to establish clear protocols limiting ICE activity to appropriate, non-enforcement roles unless legally required. 3. Publicly affirm protections for travelers, especially ensuring that airports remain safe, accessible spaces free from intimidation or unclear enforcement practices. 4. Coordinate with other governors to demand transparency, proper staffing of TSA, and an end to the use of untrained personnel in aviation security roles. Washington residents deserve safe, well-functioning airports staffed by properly trained personnel—not a patchwork solution that introduces new risks and uncertainty. This situation reflects a broader failure at the federal level, but it requires strong leadership at the state level to protect residents. Please let me know what actions your administration will take to ensure Washington airports remain safe and that the rights of travelers are protected.