Traveling by air in the United States has become a test of extreme patience. This Monday, the country’s main airports, including those in Houston and New Orleans, recorded massive delays and kilometer-long lines stretching all the way to the parking lots. The reason? The partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been paralyzed for more than 20 days due to the lack of agreements in Congress.
“Spring Break under pressure
Several major U.S. airports, such as New Orleans and Houston, are experiencing long lines and hours-long delays at passenger checkpoints as a result of the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
📹 AubryKWDSU
– The Broken Chair (@lasillarota) March 9, 2026
The start of the Spring Break season could not have come at a worse time.
At Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, lines of passengers are already flooding the stairways and baggage areas.
For its part, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport issued a social media alert advising travelers to arrive at least 3 hours before their flight, warning that security checks can take up to 120 minutes.
The situation is critical: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are required by law to work, but due to the blocking of funds, next weekend they will no longer receive their salaries.
This has led to a shortage of personnel due to absences due to economic difficulties.
Delays at airports due to DHS closure
#International | White House warns that Homeland Security shutdown causes delays at U.S. airports; more than 100,000 workers remain unpaid and there are long lines at security checkpoints.✈️⚠️https://t.co/nM8hBIJVHq
– Quadratín Michoacán (@Quadratin_) March 10, 2026
The shutdown, which began last February 14, stems from a dispute between Democrats and Republicans over President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Following the deaths of two citizens at the hands of federal agents in Minnessota, Democrats are demanding strict reforms to fund DHS:
Mandatory use of body cameras on agents.
Prohibition of acting with the face covered.
Obligation to identify themselves and present warrants for searches.
While Republicans and the White House accuse the opposition of using ” TSA patriots” as political hostages, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer assures that negotiations are still “pretty far away” from a deal.
Filed under: Delays airports closure DHS
