(AURN News) — Chaos is unfolding at airports across the country as the government shutdown tied to the Department of Homeland Security hits travelers where it hurts — long lines, delays and growing frustration. Passengers are being warned it could take more than four hours just to get through security.
In New York, LaGuardia Airport was briefly shut down after a deadly collision involving an aircraft and a firetruck, adding even more disruption to an already strained system.
Behind the scenes, staffing issues are mounting. Thousands of TSA workers are either calling out, quitting or going without pay since funding lapsed in February. Reports indicate as many as one in 10 officers are not showing up, and more than 400 have already walked off the job, citing an inability to afford basic necessities like gas, rent and child care.
In response, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to at least 14 airports across the country.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
