This story has been updated with new information from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have begun deploying to major U.S. airports - including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport - as federal officials scramble to address mounting disruptions caused by a partial government shutdown and a surge in Transportation Security Administration absences.

The deployment, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and reported by USA TODAY, comes as TSA workers nationwide continue to report to work without pay, leading to sharp increases in call-offs and long security lines.

Cleveland Hopkins confirmed Monday morning that it's among the airports receiving ICE support.

Federal officials say the agents will assist with limited, non-screening duties - such as managing passenger lines, monitoring exits and checking identification - to free up TSA officers for core screening responsibilities, according to AP News.

“These personnel are supporting TSA operations in a non-screening role, including assisting with passenger flow and divesting,” Cleveland Hopkins communications manager Michele Dynia said in a prepared statement. “They are not conducting identification checks or screening passengers.”

Dynia added there is no impact to passenger travel or airport operations at this time and advised travelers to proceed as usual and arrive as recommended for their flights.

The deployment comes as delays worsen across the country, with some travelers reporting hours-long waits at airport checkpoints.

The disruptions stem from a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security that has left tens of thousands of TSA employees working without pay since mid-February.

Absentee rates have climbed nationwide, with some major airports reporting call-off rates approaching 40% in recent days.

The staffing crisis has led to security lines stretching for hours at some airports, prompting federal officials to seek stopgap measures to keep operations moving.

According to CNN, ICE agents are being deployed to 13 airports, including:

Chicago-O'Hare International Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

LaGuardia Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport

The expanded presence of ICE at airports has also raised questions about travelers’ rights, particularly for immigrants and non-citizens.

Legal experts told USA TODAY that TSA screenings are limited to aviation security, and the presence of ICE agents does not change travelers’ basic rights during routine screening.

At the same time, critics - including labor unions - argue ICE agents lack the specialized training required for airport security environments and warn the move could create safety or civil liberties concerns.

Federal officials said ICE agents will assist with non-screening duties, allowing TSA officers to focus on security screening.

Passengers flying through Cleveland Hopkins and other affected airports are being urged to arrive early and prepare for delays as federal agencies work to stabilize operations.

At some of the nation’s busiest airports, travelers have been advised to arrive up to four hours before departure amid the ongoing disruptions.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: TSA shortage prompts plan to deploy ICE agents at Cleveland Hopkins