If you have upcoming travel plans, you should be aware that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are present at least 14 major airports across the United States, and their presence is already causing concern among travelers, civil rights groups, and local officials alike.
What’s happening and why?
The partial government shutdown is affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), meaning many airport security officers are currently working without pay. This financial strain has led to increased absences, causing staff shortages and delays at security checkpoints
TSA’s more than 50,000 officers have been working without their regular paychecks since the partial government shutdown began in mid-February. Hundreds of TSA officers have quit since the shutdown started, according to their union, the American Federation of Government Employees.
In response, the Trump administration deployed ICE agents to several U.S. airports to help ease security lines.
Which Airports Are Affected?
ICE agents have been deployed to at least 14 airports, including:
- Chicago O’Hare
- Cleveland Hopkins
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
- Houston Hobby
- Houston Bush Intercontinental
- JFK (New York), LaGuardia (New York)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
- Luis Muñoz Marín International (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
- Newark Liberty
- Philadelphia International
- Phoenix Sky Harbor
- Pittsburgh International
- Southwest Florida International (Fort Myers)
The list of airports may increase, as President Trump has indicated he’s considering deploying the National Guard if ICE’s presence is insufficient.
What Are ICE Agents Actually Doing There?
Officially, ICE officers will help with administrative and support tasks, such as managing queues and assisting airport operations. They will not replace TSA officers or carry out security screenings.
However, the decision to deploy this specific agency has raised serious questions.
It has been reported that on March 22, ICE agents at San Francisco Airport arrested a woman and her daughter. This event has added to fears about what the presence of immigration enforcement agents at airports actually means for travelers.
What You Should Keep in Mind
Whether you are a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a visa holder, or traveling with family members of mixed immigration status, here are some practical things to be aware of:
- Know your rights. You are not required to answer questions beyond basic identification in most circumstances. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to carry a passport domestically, though having ID is always advisable.
- Arrive early. Regardless of the ICE situation, long lines and delays have been reported at several major airports. Give yourself extra time, as some travelers are advised to arrive up to four or five hours early.
- Stay calm and document if needed. If you believe your rights have been violated, calmly note the time, location, and badge numbers of agents involved, and report the incident to a civil rights organization afterward.
- Call your immigration attorney or us. To ask them any questions about what this may mean for you, what documents you should travel with, or in case of an emergency.
The Bottom Line
This is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. The presence of ICE at airports is worrying many travelers, so it’s crucial to stay informed, know your rights, travel with your documents, and contact us if necessary.
