Frustrated passengers lash out at long TSA lines; GOP messages to 'thank a Democrat'

Airport security delays amid the partial government shutdown have created weekend travel nightmares, with massive TSA lines choking terminals across the country, unpaid officers calling out in growing numbers, and President Donald Trump vowing to send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports to try to stem the tide of American angst. "This is insane," a frustrated passenger told CNN at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International, regarded as the busiest airport in the world. "We didn't think it was going to be this bad." "It's pandemonium out there," another added in videos posted to social media this weekend. "We shouldn’t have to deal with this just to get on an airplane," an X poster raged — a complaint that now captures the mood at airports nationwide as travelers absorb the fallout from Washington’s funding fight. TSA OFFICIAL WARNS SMALLER AIRPORTS COULD SHUT DOWN AMID DHS FUNDING CRISIS The chaos is being fueled by deepening TSA staffing shortages during one of the busiest travel stretches of the season due to spring breaks for schools and colleges. Officers are working without pay under the shutdown, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned absenteeism, resignations and delays are likely to worsen if the stalemate drags on. More than 400 TSA workers have already quit since the shutdown began Feb. 14, according to DHS. The immediate concern for travelers, though, is far more fundamental: getting through the checkpoint before their flight leaves. Among the most eye-popping wait times and airport line scenes reported this weekend: Atlanta (ATL): Reported wait of 153 minutes early Sunday, with lines described as wrapping around baggage claim. New Orleans (MSY): Security line reportedly stretched into the parking garage. Houston (IAH/HOU): Some passengers reportedly faced waits of up to two to three hours, with Hobby Airport hit especially hard by staffing shortages. JFK (New York): Waits climbed to 75 minutes Sunday morning after being much lower a day earlier. Newark (EWR): Delays reached 44 minutes at points.