Transportation Security Administration workers arefinally getting paidafter more than a month of no earnings.
Amidballooning security wait timescaused by the partial government shutdown, PresidentDonald Trumpsigned an orderFriday to redirect funds set for the Department of Homeland Security to TSA workers.
Here's how lines are looking at O'Hare Airport Tuesday as things return to a somewhat normal state.
Is TSA getting paid now?
With legislation stalled in Congress, Trump signed an order Friday, March 27, redirecting federal funds to pay TSA workers. However, it's only a temporary fix, and long-term funding still needs to be approved by lawmakers, who are currently on a previously scheduled recess.
"At the direction of President Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, TSA has immediately begun the process of paying its workforce," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis told USA TODAY. "TSA officers should begin seeing paychecks as early as today."
Bis expressed both TSA and DHS's gratitude for putting money back into the pockets of TSA workers who've been working without pay.
How to check TSA wait times at O'Hare, Midway
TSA confirmed to USA TODAY that both theMyTSA mobile appand the agency's wait‑time tracker are down because of the shutdown.
"Airline passengers should visit the airport's website or app for more information on wait times," the agency said.
Travelers flying out of O'Hare or Midway can also checkFlightQueue.
How are TSA wait times at O'Hare?
FlightQueueshows fast security wait times at O'Hare, with an average wait of less than 15 minutes, as of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Advertisement
Travelers reported average wait times of five minutes at Terminals 2 and 3 and an hour at Terminal 5.
The site shows busy wait times for immigration at O'Hare, with average waits of 30-45 minutes.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. Hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps across the country." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
ICE agents appear at airports as TSA delays snarl check-in
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. Hundreds ofImmigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airportsto help fill TSA staffing gaps across the country.
When is the best time to arrive at TSA to avoid long lines?
For the quickest pass through security, the site recommends arriving before 7 a.m. and avoiding peak hours between 4-6 p.m.
How are TSA wait times at Midway? Immigration?
FlightQueueshows fast wait times for security and immigration at Midway Airport, with an average wait of less than 15 minutes for both.
Is ICE still at airports?
Though TSA workers have started receiving paychecks, Border CzarTom Homansaid ICE officersmay remain at airportsa little longer.
Homan appeared onCNN's "State of the Union" on March 29 and said the security line pressure may alleviate slightly. He also said whether or not ICE officers leave airports depends on how many TSA officials return to work.
"I'm working very closely with the TSA administrator and the ICE director to decide what airport needs what, but you know, God bless men and women of ICE," Homan said. "They're plugging those holes, they're keeping the security at the airport at a high level."
The USA TODAY Network reached out to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office to see if ICE officers would remain at O'Hare, but have yet to received a response.
CONTRIBUTING:Zachary Schermele,Trevor HughesandBart Jansen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Check out TSA wait times at O'Hare, Midway as workers start getting paid