The Department of Homeland Security said Monday that more than 400 Transportation Security Administration workers have quit their jobs so far since the start of the partial government shutdown last month.

Airports nationwide are experiencing a TSA staffing shortage because workers are not being paid amid the shutdown, which began Feb. 14. President Donald Trump has sent Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports to help with the shortage. 

Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told The Hill that thousands of TSA employees have also used sick days because they are missing payments on things outside the workforce. The shortage has caused long wait times at airport security screenings.

“This pointless, reckless shutdown of our homeland security workforce has caused more than 400 TSA officers to quit and thousands to call out from work because they are not able to afford gas, childcare, food, or rent,” Bis said. “President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours long lines at airports across the country—especially during this spring break and holiday season that is very important for many American families.

“While the Democrats continue to put the safety, dependability, and ease of our air travel at risk, President Trump is taking action to deploy hundreds of ICE officers, that are currently funded by Congress, to airports being adversely impacted," she added. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.