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Quote/Term of the Week
Government shutdown / noun
When a government does not pass key legislation to approve money for key operations, which would halt part or all government services.
Ex: The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has stopped funding for key agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration.
ICE at the airport
As of Monday, ICE agents have been deployed to over 14 airports across the country, including 75 agents spotted at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.
According to Pilsen Unidos por Nuestro Orgullo (PUÑO), rapid response networks have confirmed ICE sightings at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and at baggage claim. So far, there have been no reported sightings of ICE agents at Midway International Airport.
Agents are reportedly stationed at airports to do two things: further immigration enforcement and assist with crowd control as Transportation Security Administration agents continue to work without pay amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
But travelers have questioned the ability of ICE agents to improve conditions at the airport.
The partial government shutdown: why it’s happening
DHS has been shut down since Feb. 14, and is on track to surpass the 43-day record set last fall for the longest federal funding lapse in U.S. history.
At the center of the shutdown is a disagreement over funding and regulation of ICE enforcement.
DHS encompasses multiple key agencies including, TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard along with ICE. So far, over 300 TSA agents have quit since funding lapsed last month and callout rates have surpassed 10% in the past week, leading to increasingly long security lines.
Democrats are seeking to pass legislation that will fund TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard, but leave out funds for ICE’s deportation operations
The White House and Senate Republicans have refused to separate the funding. Instead, the president has pushed for a DHS funding deal that also includes the SAVE America Act, an elections bill which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. Democrats staunchly oppose the SAVE act’s provisions.
The latest reports from Capitol Hill suggest that the two sides are not any closer to reaching an agreement that will allow TSA agents to return to work.
Legislators are set to take a two-week break for Easter and Passover starting Friday. While members of the Senate are considering forgoing the break until an agreement is reached, members of the House are not planning on doing the same, Politico reported.
Know your rights, and take steps to protect yourself and others
PUÑO and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) have compiled a list of reminders and tips for those traveling.
Remember: If you or someone you know is detained by immigration agents, you can call ICIRR’s Family Support Hotline: 1-855-435-7693.
What to know/do before you travel:
Bring physical copies of relevant documents: Whether it's a passport, proof of status, pending applications, court orders, etc.
Turn off biometrics (Face ID and finger prints) and power off your phone: Protect your personal info by turning off biometrics on your phone, so it can only be accessed by a passcode. Turn off biometrics before going to the airport (or other situations where you risk interacting with law enforcement). To be safe, turn off biometrics entirely.
Print out a paper boarding pass: Print out your boarding pass either before heading to the airport, or at a kiosk as soon as you enter. This will decrease your need to be on your phone while going through security.
Make a safety plan: Memorize a lawyer’s number and the number of at least one loved one who can be on-call if you need help.
Decline facial recognition: U.S. citizens can decline facial recognition while going through security. When you reach the TSA checkpoint, tell the officer you want to opt out of facial recognition. Instead, your ID will be manually checked by a TSA officer.
Use Signal or WhatsApp for encrypted communication
If you are approached by an ICE agent:
You have the right to record: You have the right to record immigration activity. Get the names of people involved and share Know Your Rights information with people nearby.
State your status: If you are a U.S. citizen, say so. Whatever legal status you do hold, state it calmly and clearly.
Do not run: ICE agents will be watching for nervous behavior. Running gives them probably cause to pursue and you could end up in removal proceedings even if you are not a target.
You have the right to remain silent
Ask for a lawyer
Do not sign anything or answer any questions without a lawyer present
What you can do:
Attend an ICIRR Know Your Rights training: Attend a Know Your Rights training, held every Monday at 6 p.m. via Zoom, register here.
Contact your representative: Tell your U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote NO on additional funding for ICE. Fill out the form here.
A version of this story was first published in the March 25, 2026 issue of the Newswire, an email newsletter that is your weekly guide to Chicago government, civic action and what we can do to make our city great. You can sign up for the weekly newsletter here.
Have thoughts on what you'd like to see in this feature? Email Civic Editor Dawn Rhodes at dawn@citybureau.org.