Some travelers we spoke to welcomed the move. Kirk Thelander of Chester Springs said the additional presence could help ease airport operations.
"I'm glad they are here. I mean, if they're offsetting some of the workload for the TSA agents and allowing them to get people through faster, then that's great," Thelander said.
Others objected to ICE's presence at the airport. Steve Papelian of Nazareth protested alone at PHL, drawing a mix of reactions from passersby.
"Lots of acknowledgments. A few cursings, but I can handle that. I even talked to the ICE guys, and I'm sure they're very nice guys, but they're probably bringing the best of the best here," Papelian said.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner also appeared at the airport, offering a warning to federal agents operating in the city.
"If you commit crimes in this jurisdiction, which is the city and county of Philadelphia, I prosecute you. That is how it works," Krasner said. "The president cannot pardon you."
DA Krasner remarks after ICE agents deployed to Philadelphia International Airport
As the partial government shutdown continues, union officials representing unpaid TSA workers held an online press conference to highlight the impact on employees.
LaShanda Palmer, president of AFGE Local 333, said workers are facing difficult choices as they continue to work without pay.
"The employees of this agency have chosen between gas to come to work, food for their families, some cannot even afford co-pays for their doctors' visits, or pick up medication," Palmer said.
Union officials said approximately 400 TSA workers have quit over the past few weeks, while thousands more across the country continue to call out as the shutdown drags on.
ICE agents will be paid due to money from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," despite the funding fight in Washington revolving over how ICE operates.