DHS Reactivates Global Entry to Ease Airport Backlogs During Partial DHS Shutdown
The Department of Homeland Security reactivated the Global Entry program early this morning to help ease long security lines and delays that have emerged amid a partial DHS shutdown. A DHS spokesperson said the move was intended “to help alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the shutdown,” noting a handful of U.S. airports have seen hours-long delays due to a shortage of screeners.
📌 Key Facts
- DHS reactivated Global Entry "early this morning." (PBS News, 2026-03-11)
- A DHS spokesperson said the decision was intended "to help alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the shutdown." (PBS News, 2026-03-11)
- The reinstatement of Global Entry was taken amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
- PBS reported a shortage of airport screeners during the shutdown, which has contributed to long security lines and delays.
- PBS said "a handful of U.S. airports have seen long security lines and delays lasting for hours in recent days," linking the Global Entry restart directly to operational impacts on travelers.
📊 Relevant Data
89% of Americans with annual family incomes of $100,000 or more have traveled abroad at some point in their lives, compared to 48% of those with incomes of $30,000 or less.
Most Americans have traveled abroad, but this varies by income, education and other factors — Pew Research Center
Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise 22.2% of transportation security officers, compared to 18.9% of the overall U.S. population in 2022.
Transportation security officer demographics and statistics in the US — Zippia
During the 2018-2019 U.S. government shutdown, the TSA employee unscheduled absence rate peaked at 10% on January 20, 2019, compared to a typical daily rate of around 3%.
TSA Statement on Employee Call-Outs — Transportation Security Administration
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The PBS report explicitly states that DHS reactivated Global Entry 'early this morning,' tightening the timing of the restart.
- A DHS spokesperson is quoted saying the decision was intended 'to help alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the shutdown,' underscoring the agency’s own justification.
- PBS adds that 'a handful of U.S. airports have seen long security lines and delays lasting for hours in recent days amid a shortage of airport screeners,' linking the policy change directly to operational impacts passengers are feeling.