QuickTake:

Eugene Airport officials say operations remain normal with typical security staffing and wait times despite the partial federal government shutdown.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have not been deployed to the Eugene Airport and are not expected to be deployed to Oregon airports, a Eugene Airport spokesperson said Monday, March 23.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that ICE agents would be sent to airports to assist Transportation Security Administration agents amid the partial government shutdown that has left agents without pay for more than a month and strained staffing at airports across the country. 

At several major airports across the country — including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston — ICE agents were seen Monday near security checkpoints and terminals as staffing shortages have led to longer TSA lines and delays, according to The Associated Press.

The Eugene Airport has not experienced those disruptions, airport Director Cathryn Stephens said. She said TSA staffing levels at the airport remain steady, with the number of agents calling out sick consistent with normal conditions. 

Security wait times, Stephens said, are typical for the spring break travel period for the University of Oregon and local school districts. As of 4 p.m. Monday, the MyTSA app showed wait times of less than 15 minutes throughout most of the day. 

Stephens also said TSA leaders have told her that there are no plans to close any Oregon airports due to the partial shutdown and that ICE agents are being sent to airports with higher rates of staff absenteeism.

An ICE spokesperson, though, declined to confirm Stephens’ comments and did not say which airports are receiving support from ICE agents, citing security concerns. 

While operations in Eugene remain stable, Stephens said conditions could change if the shutdown continues and workers face prolonged financial strain.

“People can only be expected to work without pay for so long,” Stephens said. Eventually, they have to “find another way to earn money.”

Supporting TSA workers

With TSA officers continuing to work without pay, airport officials are asking the public to help.

Donations of nonperishable food and gift cards of $10 or less can be dropped off at the Eugene Airport administration office or at the TSA checkpoint, Stephens said. Gift cards for gas are especially useful for TSA agents commuting to their shifts, she said.

Stephens said the airport has also been providing weekly meals for TSA officers across shifts during the shutdown.

“It’s getting harder and harder for them to be able to make ends meet and to be able to come to work. … Anything is appreciated,” she said.