Just days after the Trump Administration said it will divert hundreds of customs and border protection officers to help with migrant flows at the Mexican border, even more federal employess are heading south.
This time Transportation Security Administration officers are being sent to assist with immigration duties there.
The Department of Homeland Security is seeking volunteers to support efforts at the US-Mexico border.
"TSA, like all DHS components, is supporting the DHS effort to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the southwest border. TSA is in the process of soliciting volunteers to support this effort while minimizing operational impact," TSA spokesman James Gregory said.
TSA border duty will last at least 45 days and could number as many as 400 officers.
They will be selected from six unnamed cities, CNN reported citing government officials.
These officers will be joined by air marshals.
The official admitted ‘some risk’ to travel operations with a busy summer season coning up, CNN reported.
The U.S. Travel Association said it could lead to travel disruption and affect the economy.
"Further stretching CBP and TSA resources, especially headed into the busiest time of year at our nation’s airports and points of entry, clearly could result in turmoil for business and leisure travel that supports millions of livelihoods all across the country," said Tori Barnes, USTA’s EVP of public affairs and policy.
Hydrick Thomas, president of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council, said it could undermine air safety and add to busy summer season wait times at airports.
"The timing of this deployment could not be worse, as we are preparing for yet another busy summer travel season," Thomas said in a statement.
