TSA long lines raising concerns at airports across country

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Sunday evening was relatively calm at RDU Airport amid national concerns over TSA callouts, and long lines.

Showon Das was just happy he made it to RDU for his work conference after the chaos of JFK this morning.

"It's been crazy in New York people have been missing their flights, delays," he says.

He said he was okay with TSA Pre Check, but he wasn't taking any chances.

"I left my house two or 3 hours prior just because of the TSA shutdown and I didn't know what was going to happen at the airport. Yeah. So instead of 2 hours, I was there an extra 2 hours. So 4 hours advance," he says.

Across the country, high levels of TSA workers calling out as they continue to work without pay, leaving long lines at some of the major hubs.

Gene Smith from Wilson just got home from Philly.

"I think it sucks. And unfortunately, I hope it'll get better," he says.

He says another concern is reports of ICE agents assisting at certain airports..

For Smith, it's personal. His niece, Fatima Issela Velasquez gained attention for being detained by ICE despite having an ongoing immigration case, She was ultimately released home to Wendell, but Smith worries any ICE presence could create fear at airports.

"I would imagine that it would, because I've got family members now who don't want to travel just because of that. And now that we're going to have an ICE contingent in airports, it's going to be a little bit more of a hassle. And a lot of people are be wary of getting on a plane when they shouldn't be," he says.