US airport security workers started receiving pay under a Trump order as stalemate in Congress continues.
The airport is experiencing some of the longest delays in the US as TSA agents work without pay in a partial shutdown.
Nearly 40% of the security staff at the George Bush airport did not show up - the highest such rate in the country, US media report.
ICE agents have been spotted in a number of major US airports.
The delays come amid increased spring travel and limited security personnel during a partial US government shutdown.
The sudden 10-day closure of El Paso's airspace reportedly followed a spat over drone technology testing by the US military.
Airport organisation says queues could last up to six hours over the summer holidays.
Project Servator aims to disrupt criminal activity while providing a reassuring presence.
The new rules involving liquids and gels in passenger's hand luggage came into effect on Friday.
