DHS Halts Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Amid Ongoing Shutdown

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sunday that it would suspend the Global Entry program as long as the ongoing partial government shutdown continues. This decision follows an earlier statement indicating plans to halt both Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program, although the latter closure was subsequently canceled.

As staffing constraints arise, DHS will evaluate operations on a case-by-case basis and adjust accordingly. The shutdown, which began on February 14, 2024, stems from a failure to reach an agreement between Democrats and the White House on funding legislation for the DHS. Disputes over immigration operations, central to President Donald Trump’s policies, have exacerbated tensions.

The suspension of these programs comes during a significant winter storm impacting the East Coast, with reports indicating that 90% of flights from major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan Airport, have been canceled for Monday. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection initiative that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited kiosks when entering the United States from abroad. Travel industry experts estimate that Global Entry reduces customs wait times significantly, from an average of 30 to 90 minutes down to just 5 to 10 minutes.

While the announcement of the suspension raised concerns among travelers, airport lines appeared largely unaffected through midday Sunday, with security wait times reported at under 15 minutes for most international airports, according to the TSA’s mobile app. Travelers like Amy Wainscott, who flew from Destin-Fort Walton Beach to Dallas Love Field, reported no issues and remained unaware of the shutdown until after passing through TSA PreCheck.

The DHS had previously indicated it was implementing “emergency measures to preserve limited funds.” Among these measures was the termination of TSA PreCheck lanes and the Global Entry service, aimed at focusing personnel on the majority of travelers. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, expressed relief that the DHS opted to maintain PreCheck operations, avoiding a potential crisis.

Criticism of the DHS’s management of airport security intensified following the initial announcement. Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security condemned the administration’s actions as detrimental to travel efficiency and security. Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, accused the administration of using the shutdown as a political tool, asserting that it intentionally complicates the lives of American citizens.

The airline industry has also voiced concerns regarding the short notice of the suspension announcements. Airlines for America, a major trade group representing leading carriers, stated that the announcement was delivered with “extremely short notice,” leaving travelers with little time to adjust their plans. They emphasized that the suspension of these trusted-traveler programs turns the traveling public into a political bargaining chip.

As the shutdown continues, the impact on travel and airport security operations remains a pressing concern. The situation underscores the challenges and complexities faced by both travelers and governmental agencies amid ongoing political disputes.