Brandy Norwood, Cinderella, cinderella, descendants, rise of red, money, Disney, Disney original — Brandy in Los Angeles on November 10, 2022. (Photo: Randall Michelson/Getty Images for Blaze PR)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 23, 2026

The Vocal Bible Ascends: Brandy To Be Immortalized On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The singer will receive the 2,839th star on the famed walkway

Brandy is slated to receive the 2,839th star when she is presented with a spot on the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 30.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that the “Moesha” star will be honored when she receives her star in the recording category. The emcee for the ceremony will be Sibley Scoles, and the guest speakers for the singer will be Issa Rae and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome performer Brandy to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer, said in a written statement. “Brandy has captivated audiences for decades with a voice and artistry that helped shape modern R&B and inspire generations of performers. Honoring her with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of not only her extraordinary music career but also her lasting impact on television, film, and popular culture. We are proud to welcome Brandy to this iconic sidewalk that celebrates the very best of entertainment.”

The talented singer and actress was recently honored in January at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective. She received the Black Music Icon Award, which honors Black music creators whose artistry, innovation, and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations worldwide. Also honored that evening were Kirk Franklin and Pharrell Williams.

On March 20, Brandy posted on social media that she had been announced as a performer at the Roots Picnic, scheduled to take place at the historic Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park on May 30 and 31. She is one of the featured artists taking the stage that weekend. Along with the Philadelphia hip-hop band The Roots, other announced performers include Erykah Badu, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Kehlani, De La Soul, and the headliner, JAŸ-Z.

So excited to hit the stage at the legendary Roots Picnic… a celebration of music, culture, and pure soul.

Grateful to share this moment with such incredible artists. Let’s make it unforgettable. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/VAvkdYhLHb
— b r a n d y (@4everBrandy) March 20, 2026

Zohran Mamdani — Photo credit: Bingjiefu He

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 23, 2026

Inside Zohran Mamdani’s $80 Million Capital Infusion For NYC’s Small Business Class

The initiative stems from a 2025 pilot as a way to decrease borrowing thresholds for small business owners, reduce interest rates and introduce more flexible repayment structures in effort to assist with growth.

Why diversity, equity, and inclusion may be dying in other spaces and places, in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is keeping DEI alive to make sure entrepreneurship thrives by allocating $80 million to the city’s small business loan program, BK Reader reports.

NYC Future Fund, a city-supported loan program to make financing more accessible to small businesses across the five boroughs, recently received a huge relaunch from the city’s youngest mayor, as he hopes to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs, including immigrant-, minority-, and women-owned businesses, who over the years have faced several barriers.

“Small businesses are the backbone of New York City’s economy and the heart of our neighborhoods,” Mamdani said, according to Patch.

“But many entrepreneurs — especially immigrant and working-class New Yorkers — have been locked out of the affordable capital they need to grow.”

The initiative stems from a 2025 pilot to lower borrowing thresholds for small business owners, reduce interest rates, and introduce more flexible repayment structures, in an effort to support growth.

The relaunch allows business owners to apply for loans starting at $25,000, down from the previous minimum of $100,500. Interest rates have gone down from 9% to 7.5%, and repayment terms are now based on revenue. Rates go as low as two percent of monthly income.

The minimum annual revenue threshold has been reduced from $300,000 to $50,000, giving newer and lower-income businesses a shot at applying. City officials say the relaunch is all based on constructive feedback from business owners in addition to addressing financial gaps.“ The NYC Future Fund shows what the government can do when it listens to small businesses and acts on what it hears,” Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su said.

“By offering more loan options, lower interest rates, and flexible repayment terms, the city is expanding access to capital at a time when the affordability crisis is putting real strain on entrepreneurs,” Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kenny Minaya said.

Minaya appeared in a video with Mamdani to announce the fund and explain why it’s so important. “Whether you’re serving the finest homemade Sancocho in the five boroughs or you’re the bike shop that’s always there for the neighborhood, small businesses are the beating heart of our city’s culture,” he said.

Send this to a small business who deserves all the funds.

Applications are open for the NYC Future Fund: a loan program with affordable, flexible financing for seasonal and growing small businesses.

Apply now at https://t.co/x5lhcpN4Q9 pic.twitter.com/N2jIOZoXHc
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 17, 2026

Before the relaunch, the program’s earlier pilot was supported by funding from JPMorgan Chase and TD Bank, with a total of $1.2 million available for distribution to only four businesses. Now, with support from the city, the program can expand to the five boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and The Bronx, reaching underserved communities that deserve support.

Applications are now open for small businesses.

NAACP, xAI, Elon Musk, lawsuit — (Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Black Woman Wins $15M Discrimination Suit After Supervisor Allegedly Called Her ‘Entitled N-Word’

Wilson received $15.4 million in damages as the jury ruled in her favor after one day of deliberation.

A Black woman won over $15 million in a racial discrimination lawsuit after her supervisor allegedly called her an “entitled n-word.”

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson teamed up with a co-worker to sue the city of Fresno in 2019, citing workplace discrimination that occurred a year earlier. Wilson says she experienced wrongful treatment due to her race from her supervisor, Howard Lacy, at the city’s code enforcement department.

A jury ruled in favor of Wilson, awarding her $15.4 million in damages, as reported by The Root. Now, Wilson says that the department has been “exposed” for its racist treatment of Black employees. The awarded plaintiff claimed that she endured the “angry Black woman” stereotype, with one exchange between her co-worker, Charles Smith, and Lacy being enough for the jury to validate her claims.

Despite having a bigger check than she ever did working for Fresno, she says she paid for it with the experiences she underwent at the city department.

“We look at the huge number, but nobody looked at the huge price I paid,” she told reporters at the GV Wire.

The complaint detailed how Lacy allegedly called Wilson an “entitled N-word” who used her Blackness to her advantage. Smith also detailed in the complaint that the manager called Wilson “lazy” and a “piece of sh*t.”

However, Lacy denied the accusations during his testimony, claiming that an internal investigation found that he never said such offensive words. Despite the claims, Wilson remained adamant that he did use such profanities to describe her, calling out the department as well for allegedly trying to cover up his actions.

Smith and Wilson’s legal team noted how Lacy never faced any repercussions following the investigation. Despite the lack of consequences at the office, the California jury decided to administer its own justice for Wilson. They came to a verdict after one day of deliberation, holding the city of Fresno accountable for its treatment of the Black woman employee.

“We proved our case, and the city of Fresno never took this case seriously,” Wilson’s attorney said. “They fought it for over seven years in court, and we finally had our day in court and justice prevailed.”

However, the legal fight may wage on. Fresno leaders hinted at appealing the verdict, especially as the payout would mark a huge dent in the city’s budget.

culture atlanta, consigner, seller, shoe, Cumberland mall, Cobb county, burglary, robbery, theft — Photo by Avneet Kaur/Pexels

by Ahsan Washington

March 23, 2026

Sneaker Heads: Black Women Who Branded Their Own Sneaker Line

These women lead athlete-founded startups and independent design studios

Black women are very much a part of the multibillion-dollar sneaker market. They have endorsed, designed, and branded footwear that combines cultural elements with essential performance features. These women lead athlete-founded startups and independent design studios, creating brands that transform the story of ownership, representation, and innovation in sneaker culture. The following list features Black women who lead sneaker brands with intentional impact. During Women’s History Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE celebrates their historical achievements and ongoing progress.

Allyson Felix, Saysh

Allyson Felix, the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete in history, founded footwear brand Saysh. The Saysh One sneaker is the brand’s first product, a women-focused lifestyle and sneaker brand that creates footwear to address design disparities in athletic shoes. Saysh began operations in 2021 after Felix ended her contract with Nike. Felix established Saysh to create a women-focused brand that supports women’s health and performance while building community, following her work to secure maternal protections and fair treatment for female athletes. Saysh operates from the United States, processing direct-to-consumer sales through its online platform.

Brittney Perry, PerryCo Shoes

In 2018, Brittney Perry established PerryCo Shoes in the United States to produce minimalist sneakers that defy conventional footwear standards through gender-neutral design. The brand emerged to fill design voids. Perry Co is an inclusive footwear brand with versatile everyday sneakers and a purposeful mission.

Angela Simmons & Vanessa Simmons – Pastry Shoes

Angela and Vanessa Simmons founded Pastry Shoes in 2007, creating one of the first widely distributed sneaker brands owned by Black women. Pastry footwear designs catered to performance, combining fashion elements to attract dancers and young buyers seeking expressive, functional sneakers. The brand achieved worldwide retail distribution through Foot Locker and other major outlets.

Angel Reese – Reebok Signature Line

In 2024, WNBA star and NCAA champion Angel Reese signed a multi-year deal with Reebok to launch her own signature sneaker line, marking a major achievement in women’s basketball footwear. The partnership demonstrates increased investment in women athletes, seeks to enhance representation in performance sneakers, and places Reese among a limited group of players who receive signature shoe recognition.

A’ja Wilson – Nike Signature Sneaker

WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson landed a signature sneaker agreement with Nike and released her first model in 2025, making her part of the exclusive group of athletes with branded footwear. The partnership includes worldwide distribution and demonstrates Nike’s growing commitment to women’s basketball while working to boost the representation of Black women in performance sneaker markets.

Teyana Taylor, Air Jordan Collaborations

Actress, singer, and choreographer Teyana Taylor worked with Jordan Brand to create several sneaker collections, which received major attention in 2023 and 2024, with her latest collaboration being the Rose Jordan 3. Her work introduced Black female creative direction to the Air Jordan brand by merging its performance legacy with lifestyle narratives, broadening cultural diversity within one of the most powerful sneaker brands.

Cardi B – Reebok Collaboration

Since 2018, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has teamed up with Reebok to create sneaker and apparel collections. The partnership between Reebok and Cardi B was created to connect with female customers and bring Reebok back into lifestyle sneaker discussions. Cardi B’s cultural impact increased market visibility and consumer engagement.

Rihanna – Fenty x Puma

Music and fashion icon Rihanna joined Puma as creative director to produce the Fenty x Puma sneaker line in 2015, and relaunched it in 2023, achieving worldwide commercial success. The partnership rendered stylish sneaker designs that attracted female buyers to Puma, thus expanding the brand’s market presence while strengthening Rihanna’s status as a fashion and footwear innovator.

Adrian abrams — Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/dominiquevince-976409/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1524270">Dominique</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1524270">Pixabay</a>

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Don’t Sweat It, Black Business Student Creates ‘Washletics’ Detergent For Activewear Odors

A Black business student at Duke University decided to address a "boring" laundry problem with a meaningful solution.

For those with smelly gym clothes, one Black business student has launched a game-changing detergent with you in mind.

As a first-year MBA student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Adrian Abrams had plans to bring his own ideas to the startup world. The 29-year-old pupil recently launched Washletics, a detergent with clean ingredients that removes deep sweat odors from activewear.

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The idea came from his creation of a personalized detergent. However, how exactly he would grow the business remained a mystery.

He returned to school for another chance at his entrepreneurial ambitions, applying coursework to his own business strategy. As Washletics came to fruition, classmates became his startup’s first customers.

His plan for the sweat-focused product secured Abrams a top prize at the Duke Venture Capital (DVG) Pitch Competition this semester. Now, he plans to scale operations to take Washletics to washing machines nationwide.

“Adrian, it just’ works,” he told the Duke Fuqua blog about his clas smates’ reaction.

How it works, however, is by skipping the extra steps of scent beads and other deodorizers. Instead, Washletics features an odor-targeting enzyme blend to remove odors from sweat-heavy items. Noting that most detergents leave behind the oil and bacteria produced by sweat on clothes, these enzymes eliminate the unwanted residue, resulting in truly fresh activewear for the next workout session.

Washletics also bypasses the heavy dyes used in many name-brand detergents, creating an all-natural solution to an issue that plagues athletes and active adults. With his mission to revolutionize clothing care and address lingering smells, Abrams is also focused on tailoring his project for a technological future.

“There’s a lot of momentum around Washletics right now, but what excites me most is the bigger picture,” he exclusively tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I want to be part of a generation of Black founders that uses emerging technologies like AI to rethink and innovate in categories that have been overlooked for decades. Some of the biggest opportunities aren’t in flashy products. They’re in everyday essentials that haven’t meaningfully evolved. My goal is to build in that space and show what’s possible when you apply new tools to ‘boring’ problems.”

Abrams plans to use his upcoming degree to shape Washletics’ vision, using the knowledge he gains to further his business and expand his customer base. As he sets out to dominate household shelves, the detergent’s foundational formula is now available for pre-order.

Black Women’s Health Imperative, Her Health Challenge — Photo by Ivan S: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-doctor-typing-on-a-laptop-4989167/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Black Men Leaders In Atlanta Lend Voice To Black Women’s Health Imperative Challenge

The movement for Black men to champion Black women's health has begun with male leaders in Atlanta.

Black men leaders in Atlanta are standing up for Black women’s health with a new challenge.

These local leaders have partnered with the Black Women’s Health Imperative for the “Her Health” Challenge. The educational call to action inspires men to join the fight to reduce health disparities affecting Black women.

As Black women face unique health challenges, from maternal mortality to aggressive breast cancer diagnoses, Black Women’s Health Imperative has called on men to join the fight for advocacy. Atlanta trailblazers such as One Musicfest Founder Jason J. Carter and The Gathering Spot Co-founder Ryan Wilson are leading this new campaign, using their platforms to shed light on Black women’s health.

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A post shared by BWHI (@blkwomenshealth)

BWHI detailed how the Her Health Challenge fosters community by having Black men share a photo or video of the Black women they honor. While donations to BWHI’s efforts and programming are also encouraged, the Her Health challenge aims to showcase how Black women’s health requires everyone’s support, with Black men bringing the cause to their social circles.

To further support Black men’s participation in the challenge, BWHI also released a resource guide titled “In Her Corner: A Man’s Playbook for Supporting Women’s Health.” The guide offers tools and guidance to help Black men support their loved ones when they face health challenges. Specifically tailored to the unique health experiences of Black families, this resource will aid Black men as they become educated pillars of support for any woman in their lives facing a new diagnosis or health scare.

For these participating leaders, the decision to champion this movement is personal. Wanting to help Black women in their lives and beyond get the resources and prevention treatments they need, these advocates are proud to support an organization that serves a greater purpose.

“I’m participating in honor of my grandmother, Evelyn Frozine Hughey, who passed away from breast cancer in 1967 before I had the chance to meet her,” Wilson said. “My mother lost her mom when she was young, and growing up, I understood how much that absence meant. That’s why supporting Black women’s health is so important to me.“

While it begins in Atlanta, the challenge serves as a nationwide call to action, especially during a turbulent political time. With funding rollbacks on programs dedicated to health equity and access, BWHI has taken matters into its own hands, with Black men joining the ongoing fight to improve Black women’s health statistics.

“The landscape is shifting beneath our feet, yet BWHI is holding steady,” said Joy D. Calloway, President and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative.

“Our mission to solve the most critical health issues facing Black women and girls does not stop when others’ priorities shift. This campaign is a direct response to this moment. Men have always had influence. When they add their voices, their networks, and their resources to this critical work, we all move forward together.”

The Her Health challenge will run until August 2026, giving participants time in the coming months to educate and inspire others to step up for the Black women they love.

Black Boys, Maryland, graves, investigation — (Photo: Mike Bird/Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 23, 2026

Prayers Up! Essence Magazine’s Former EIC Susan Taylor Lays Daughter To Rest In New York

Taylor King, 57, is the daughter of former Essence Editor-in-Chief Susan L. Taylor.

On March 22, funeral services for Shana-Nequai Taylor King took place at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Taylor-King, the daughter of former Essence Editor-in-Chief Susan L. Taylor, died March 5. Her cause of death is unknown.

Taylor King was reportedly a mother of one and a fixture at charitable events in New York. According to Primeter, Taylor King is survived by her adult daughter, Amina Suzanne King, whom she shared with former Knicks player Bernard King.

In an Instagram post, Taylor thanked family and friends for their support and requested donations to honor her daughter’s memory.

“In lieu of flowers, they ask that you consider supporting children living in poverty with a gift in Shana’s name to the National CARES Mentoring Movement.”

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A post shared by Susan L. Taylor (@iamsusanltaylor)

Harriette Cole, author and former fashion director of Essence, posted a video on Instagram to share a small snippet of Taylor King’s service.

“So many came together today to honor the life of Shana Nequai Taylor King, Susan Taylor’s beloved daughter. It was a bittersweet day. The legacy of Essence magazine under Susan Taylor’s watch filled Abyssinian Baptist Church. The pulpit brimmed with stories of this beautiful woman’s life as it unfolded over 57 years. We shed tears, shared hugs and reveled in being able to hug one another just a bit tighter. All love.”

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A post shared by Harriette Cole (@harriettecole)

An outpouring of love was shown in the comments on the post.

@1358balu_ expressed shock: “What? The baby girl we were introduced to when we first met Susan the seventies has earned her wings? Beautiful soul, fly high and know you were loved far and near with a mighty love…”

@donblakeley241 stated: “So sorry for Ms. Taylor. I will never forget the hug she gave me at her speaking event. She is so kind and beautiful. Prayers to her and her family on a terrible loss, burying your baby.”

@shelleyalcinay shared a memory: “Susan Taylor sending my deepest condolences.. Shana and I were both freshman residents of Frazier Hall in the memorable Tubman Quadrangle at Howard University. She was a remarkable individual.”

@thelmairenetaylor wrote a prayer: “A very sad and tragic loss for us all. She will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences and prayers for her Family Members. May God comfort and give them peace during their time of mourning and deep sorrow, Amen.”

Stefon Diggs, court, not guilty — photo credit: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 23, 2026

Stefon Diggs Takes Football Field For First Time Since Release By New England Patriots

He participated in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic

After failing to win this year’s Super Bowl and amid some off-field issues, the New England Patriots released wide receiver Stefon Diggs earlier this month, less than a year after signing him to a multi-year contract. He was recently seen in public for the first time, participating in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

According to Patriots Wire, the former Patriots player was seen practicing with other players on March 21 as they prepared for that day’s three-team competition. The classic featured current and former NFL players competing for the inaugural flag football title. He played on the same team as Patriots legend Tom Brady, who also took part in the games, competing with Founders FFC, which was co-captained by Brady and Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Diggs was caught on video speaking to his fellow teammates before the games started that day.

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A post shared by Fanatics (@fanatics)

Three teams competed in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. Founders FFC, Team USA Football, and Wildcats FFC all took to the gridiron to compete for the title.

According to NFL.com, Brady connected on a touchdown to Diggs to take a quick 8-0 lead that would be the highlight of the day for the team as they lost the game 43-16 to Team USA. Team USA had already defeated Wildcats FFC 39-16 before blowing out Founders FFC. The Wildcats then handed the Founders another loss, 34-26, leaving them winless in the competition. Team USA then stopped the Wildcats and took home the title, winning 24-14.

The official reason the Patriots released Diggs was that the team was saving money for the upcoming season (the team would have had to pay Diggs $26.5 million for next season). The franchise tried to restructure his deal, but negotiations failed, leaving the team no choice but to release him.

Patriot Wire reported that a reunion is possible, as the team has not ruled out bringing him back.

Patrice Lumumba, Etienne Davignon, Belgium, trial, war crimes, Congo, DRC — Harry Pot for Anefo ]]), 1945-1989 - negatiefstroken zwart/wit, nummer toegang 2.24.01.05, bestanddeelnummer 910-9740, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Keka Araújo

March 23, 2026

Colonialism On The Stand: 93-Year-Old Belgian Diplomat To Stand Trial For Patrice Lumumba’s 1961 Assassination

Hell isn't hot enough for Etienne Davignon.

The brutal assassination of anti-colonial icon Patrice Lumumba has remained a festering wound in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo for over six decades. Now, in a historic pivot toward criminal accountability, a Brussels court has ordered Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, to stand trial for his alleged role in the 1961 execution of Congo’s democratically elected prime minister.

Davignon, who later ascended to the heights of European power as a Commissioner, was a junior diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Congo’s violent transition to independence. Prosecutors allege that Davignon was not merely a bystander but a functional cog in the machinery of war crimes. The indictment centers on the unlawful detention and transfer of Lumumba to the secessionist region of Katanga, where he was met by a firing squad overseen by Belgian mercenaries in Jan. 1961—six months after his famous speech on Congo’s Independence Day.

“We are going to show the world what the Black man [and woman] can do when he works in freedom, and we are going to make of the Congo the center of the sun’s radiance for all of Africa. We are going to keep watch over the lands of our country so that they truly profit her children.”

According to legal filings by the Lumumba family, Davignon’s involvement extended to the “humiliating and degrading treatment” of the prime minister, stripping him of his basic right to a fair trial. The gravity of these charges lies in the meticulous nature of the elimination. After the execution, Belgian police officer Gerard Soete reportedly oversaw the disinterment of the bodies of Lumumba and his associates, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito, to dissolve them in sulfuric acid.

For years, the Belgian state shielded itself behind the findings of a 2002 parliamentary commission, which admitted “moral responsibility” but stopped short of criminal prosecution. This trial, however, seeks to convert that abstract morality into concrete judicial consequences. As the sole surviving suspect of the 10 individuals originally targeted by the 2011 complaint, Davignon represents the final opportunity for the Brussels court to adjudicate the specific actions of the colonial administration.

The defense has historically argued that junior officials were merely following the geopolitical currents of the Cold War when the assassination was ordered. Yet, as the Lulumba family’s attorney Christophe Marchand revealed, the case is a “gigantic victory” for those challenging the “culture of impunity” that has long characterized European reflections on colonial crimes.

The trial will likely delve into the “Blueprints for Intervention” found in Belgian archives, which suggest a coordinated effort between Brussels and local secessionists to neutralize Lumumba’s “pan-Africanist” threat.

The physical evidence of this crime was reduced to a single gold-capped tooth, which Soete kept as a macabre trophy for decades. It was only in 2022 that the relic was repatriated to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a somber ceremony. During that handover, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reiterated the state’s apology, but for the Lumumba family, an apology without a verdict is incomplete.

“It is a step in the right direction,” Yema Lumumba, the leader’s granddaughter, told Reuters. “What we want is to search for truth and establish different responsibilities.”

The trial is expected to scrutinize the “Belgian-Congolese technical assistance” agreements of the era, which prosecutors argue provided the legal cover for the military support of Katangan rebels.

By forcing a 93-year-old statesman to account for wicked decisions made in his youth, the Belgian judiciary is finally addressing the historical debt owed to its former colony. This proceeding is a trial of a system that believed it could dissolve a revolution in a vat of acid, only to find that the memory of Patrice Lumumba has outlived nearly everyone who conspired to silence him.

TSA, precheck, DHS, shutdown, tsa agent — Photo by Bloomberg/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 23, 2026

ICE Agents Deployed To U.S. Airports As TSA Agents Continue To Quit, Delays Reach New Lengths

CNN anchor Dana Bash asked how effective it could possibly be with just 24 hours notice with Homan seemingly saying it's not that hard.

Amid a battle between Democrats and Republicans over funding the Department of Homeland Security and securing pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during the ongoing partial government shutdown, the Trump administration has decided to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist, according to NPR.

President Donald Trump confirmed the move on his Truth Social app just hours after Border Czar Tom Homan announced it on CNN.

“On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA Agents who have stayed on the job,” Trump posted.

Homan made the announcement on March 22, saying that he and his team were curating a plan to activate on March 23. But when anchor Dana Bash asked how effective it could be with just 24 hours, Homan seemed to say it’s not that hard.

“Again, ICE has been in airports a long time; it’s just expanding the same,” he said.

“How much of a plan does it mean to guard an exit to make sure no one comes through that exit? We’re talking about security options, and these officers are well trained in security, and they’re well trained in identification, and we’re going to do what we can to help TSA move those people through the line.”

BASH: With respect, if you're implementing a plan to have ICE at airports in 24 hours, how well thought out could it possibly be?

HOMAN: How much of a plan does it mean to guard an exit to make sure no one comes through that exit? pic.twitter.com/cvLS0BI1iP
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 22, 2026

However, in a statement, Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said ICE has no business assisting agents, because the job is more than just checking IDs; agents spend months being trained to detect explosives, weapons, and threats designed to evade checkpoint detection. “ICE agents are not trained or certified in aviation security,” he said.

“They deserve to be paid, not replaced by untrained, armed agents who have shown how dangerous they can be.”

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Given ICE’s recent history, there is also concern that its presence may instill fear.

“The last thing that the American people need is for untrained ICE agents to be deployed at airports all across the country, potentially to brutalize or, in some instances, kill them,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said.

Social media users have similar thoughts, some even wondering how TSA agents aren’t getting paid but ICE agents are as they fall under the same agency. “So they are getting paid but the TSA workers they are standing alongside aren’t? Doesn’t seem very fair,” @ebonyesha wrote on Instagram.

Another user feels this is a waste of resources as the government can just pay TSA so they can return to work. “So they’d rather pay ICE agents who don’t know wtf they doing than to just pay the TSA agents to do their job. Got it,” @christen_noelle said.

The administration blamed the Democratic Party for making ICE’s presence necessary in the first place. “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,” Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement.

Trump followed with the same sentiments. “If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before!” the president wrote on social media, according to Politico.

“I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!”

Leaders of metro cities across the country confirmed ICE’s presence, like Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens. He said agents will be deployed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to “support operational needs directed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including line management and crowd control within the domestic terminals.”

As seen on social media, security lines at the world’s busiest airport have wrapped around the building.