BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is urging travelers to arrive significantly earlier than usual after experiencing unusually long security wait times this weekend, as additional federal personnel (ICE) are brought in to assist.
In a message shared Saturday morning, airport officials advised passengers traveling this weekend to arrive up to 4 hours before their flight, noting that checkpoint delays were unlike anything they had previously seen. Travelers departing from Concourses A, B, and C were the most impacted.
Later in the day, the Maryland Aviation Administration confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel were being deployed to assist at security checkpoints.
Governor Wes Moore said the state was informed that ICE agents would provide operational support to TSA in an effort to speed up passenger screening, emphasizing that they would not be involved in immigration enforcement.
According to the state, ICE personnel, including members of Enforcement Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, are assisting TSA operations in a support role. Primary security responsibilities, including passenger and baggage screening, remain with trained TSA officers.
Moore also used the moment to criticize the federal government, pointing to ongoing staffing and funding challenges. “Americans are sick and tired of Washington’s dysfunction,” Moore said. “The federal government needs to get its act together, pay TSA officers, and stop asking ICE agents to do work far outside their scope.”
Airport leadership echoed that ICE’s role is focused strictly on helping improve efficiency at checkpoints. “We thank our passengers for their patience as we work with stakeholders to support safe, efficient travel,” said BWI Executive Director/CEO Shannetta Griffin. “We’re grateful to our TSA agents, BWI personnel, concessions employees, and other workers who are keeping BWI operational during this challenging time.”
The situation comes as airports across the country continue to deal with long wait times and staffing challenges. Travelers with upcoming flights are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and monitor updates from their airline and the airport.
