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NATIONAL NEWS

Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs

Feb 21, 2026, 8:49 PM | Updated: Feb 22, 2026, 3:16 pm

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BY ASSOCIATED PRESS


WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.

The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for fliers.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.” She also said that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

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Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs