Wilmington TSA agent struggles without pay as shutdown reaches 41 days

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — It has now been 41 days since the partial government shutdown began, and many TSA workers across the country continue to report to work without pay.

Nationwide, lines through airports are some of the longest in history.

In Houston, lines stretching more than 3 hours, winding through the terminal.

And in Atlanta, the busiest airport in the country, passengers are being told to arrive at least four hours before their flights.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport TSA agent Tonia Crocker said many TSA agents are still trying to recover from the last government shutdown.

“Most of us haven’t even recovered from the last shutdown,” Crocker said. “I’ve quite sure, you know, people are getting letters, you know, eviction, foreclosure,you know, repossession, that, that’s nonsense.”

But at Wilmington International Airport, you might not notice a difference, though one local family is still experiencing the strain firsthand.

“When I look at my mother during this crisis, I just see a single mom doing the best she can,” said Kilee Turnier.

Turnier is the daughter of Wendy Presser, a TSA agent at Wilmington International Airport and a mother of five. She says the financial pressure on her mom is mounting.

“They’re really struggling to pay the utilities. They’ve received several shut-off notices. The landlord won’t, you know, isn’t being flexible with the rent money. They’re not able to put groceries and food on the table,” Turnier said.

Thursday marked 41 days since Presser last received a paycheck.

Turnier traveled from her home in Connecticut to Wilmington to help her family get by in the meantime.

“I’ve been able to go to the grocery store and get them a few items, help my sister have lunch at school, and give my mom some gas money to get back and forth to work,” she said.

But it hasn’t been enough.

“So I’ve set up a GoFundMe for her right now. All of that money will go directly to her to help pay and cover for the rent, all of the utilities and bills, all of their groceries for the month,” said Turnier.

Despite the support, Turnier says the emotional toll of working without pay is weighing heavily on her mother.

“It’s mentally exhausting, especially with the anxiety of unpaid bills,” she said. “And then on top of that, passengers are getting really upset with the longer wait lines.”

While Wilmington International Airport has not experienced the same level of delays as larger hubs, the issue is widespread. In response, President Donald Trump has deployed ICE agents to assist at major airports.

However, Turnier says that solution falls short.

“ICE agents aren’t trained to do security screenings, baggage checks, or operate X-ray machines,” she said. “So as far as helping with the lines, there’s going to be absolutely no benefit.”

Airport officials say they are stepping in to support TSA workers locally.

“TSA is part of our team — we consider them part of our team — and they need our help right now,” officials said.

A community donation drive has been launched at Wilmington International Airport, collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, and gift cards for gas and groceries.

Airport Director Jeff Bourke says around 50 TSA agents at ILM have continued to report for duty despite not being paid.

“Think of that for you and your family,” Bourke said. “Even if the shutdown ends now, it could be at least another two weeks before they get paid. That’s nearly 60 days without a paycheck — and these people are still showing up every day.”

With no clear end to the shutdown, uncertainty remains for the Presser family and many others.

“Everyone’s trying to rally and come together,” Turnier said. “If there’s ever been a time for community support, it would be now.”

Click here for Presser’s GoFundMe and more information on the ILM donation drive.