image sourced from original article at A prolonged funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security has left about 100,000 employees working without pay, including 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers, raising concerns about airport security and national safety. Former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf warned that unpaid workers may be distracted by financial stress at a time when terror threats are increasing.
Travelers are already experiencing long security lines at major airports as staffing shortages strain operations. Officials caution that delays could worsen if the shutdown continues, further burdening security personnel responsible for screening passengers and protecting critical transportation hubs.
The situation comes amid heightened global tensions and several recent incidents described as likely terrorism targeting Americans. President Donald Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be deployed to airports to assist security officers, as lawmakers continue to clash over funding for the department.
