TSA? No, ICE.

The Democrats finally found a hill to die on in challenging Trump, and that expression seems to be slowly becoming literal.

The Democrats in Congress allowed much of the government to open, but they decided to draw the line on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, refusing to fund it until Trump and congressional Republicans reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose antics have scared the Shinola out of everyone and who have already been funded through the Enabling Act (also known as that one big beautiful bill). Though congressional leaders have cut a deal, Trump is refusing to sign any bill until the Suppression Against Voters Egregiously (SAVE) Act is passed.  As a result, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) isn't being funded and TSA agents are walking out of their jobs at airports.

So Trump had a stroke, though not one of genius.  He assigned ICE agents to the airports to handle the long and interminable backups at our airports.

Aside from a couple of anecdotal stories I've heard bout ICE agents tackling passengers (totally unconfirmed, though not implausible), ICE agents at airports haven't done anything outrageous.  In fact, they haven't done much at all, really.  They've mostly been handing out water bottles to people and directing them to the terminal food court. And, they've been showing up for their airport duties unmasked and undisguised.  

As of this writing, Senate Republican leader John Thune of South Dakota thinks he may have a deal that ends the standoff which Trump would support.  Until then, ICE is going to remain in the airports, and one must proceed at airports with what the late Alexander Haig once referred to as "careful caution."  It's best to cooperate with ICE as much as one possibly can, especially if they offer you a free water bottle, and not call any unwanted attention to oneself, the better to get on your flight with no trouble at all.  Especially if you're boarding an international flight.

But if ICE agents suddenly show up at airports dressed like ninja warriors, watch out.  They just might want to take you into that little room before you board that flight to London or Paris.  Because while Trump can't stop Americans form leaving the country, he can make it extremely difficult.  

Meanwhile, the Senate has confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.  His biggest qualification for the job is being so stupid, belligerent and obnoxious that his fellow senators want him out of their chamber.