TSA Program Alerts ICE to Migrant Flights, Sparks Arrests

TSA Program Alerts ICE to Migrant Flights, Sparks Arrests

A little-known program has the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to alert agents about upcoming flights of migrants facing deportation. This collaboration has led to detentions at airports across the country, raising questions about the TSA’s role beyond airport security.

The New York Times reported on this program, which began last spring. It essentially provides ICE with advance notice about when migrants with deportation orders are scheduled to fly. This allows ICE officers to be present at airports, ready to make arrests.

Mother and Child Detained at San Francisco Airport

One prominent example of this program in action occurred recently at the San Francisco International Airport. A mother and her child were detained by plainclothes ICE agents. Video footage from the scene shows a tense confrontation as the mother demanded to see the agents’ badges, questioning the legality of the arrest.

“This is an illegal arrest, show the badge number,” someone is heard saying in the video. The situation highlights the confusion and fear that can arise when immigration enforcement actions take place in public, highly trafficked areas like airports.

How the TSA-ICE Partnership Works

Hamed Ali Aziz, a reporter for The New York Times who covers the Department of Homeland Security, explained the program’s mechanics. “TSA and ICE are working together in order to alert ICE officers and agents across the country about the impending flights of migrants who have deportation orders,” Aziz stated.

He added that this gives officers a heads-up, allowing them to be at the airport at a specific time to arrest individuals. Aziz first learned about this initiative through the case of a young woman, identified as Ms. Lopez Jimenez, who was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport after visiting family. She was a native of Guatemala.

Deportation Orders and Lack of Notification

The report touches on the complexities of deportation orders. Many migrants receive orders known as “in absentia,” meaning they were ordered removed because they failed to appear for court hearings. Aziz noted that activists and lawyers report that some migrants do not receive proper notification of their hearings.

This can lead to them unknowingly missing court dates and consequently receiving deportation orders. Others may intentionally avoid court to remain in the country undetected. The system involves hundreds of thousands of such cases historically.

Public Opinion and ICE’s Reputation

Christina Greer, co-host of FAQ NYC and a political science professor at Fordham University, discussed the political implications of having ICE visible at airports. “Most people don’t like it, half of the country wants the entire organization to be abolished,” Greer said, referring to public sentiment towards ICE.

She suggested that increased ICE presence at airports, especially for enforcement actions, could be a political misstep. This is particularly true at a time of heightened tensions and scrutiny surrounding immigration policies nationwide.

Concerns About Election Integrity and Databases

Greer also voiced concerns that this strategy could be seen as a “dry run” for future election tactics. She mentioned the SAVE Act and the aggressive push for databases, suggesting that the focus might be on creating databases for tracking individuals rather than ensuring election integrity.

“It’s really about putting people in these databases so that ICE can actually go after these quote unquote criminals,” Greer explained. She noted that the definition of who is considered a criminal has broadened, now potentially including anyone who has overstayed their visa or crossed the border illegally.

Profile of an Enforcement Leader

The New York Times report also featured a profile of Gregory Bovino, an individual who has reportedly taken a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. Aziz described Bovino as someone he has tracked for about a year, noting his rise from leading operations in Los Angeles to a more national role.

Bovino’s tenure has reportedly involved clashes with other officials. One incident in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, involved a large-scale operation where the National Guard commander expressed concerns about potential harm to civilians. Bovino reportedly proceeded with the operation despite these warnings.

Controversial Operations and Language

Another notable operation led by Bovino occurred in Chicago, involving clearing out an apartment complex. This operation reportedly included helicopters and agents rappelling from them. During this event, ICE officials on the ground were hesitant to take custody of children, but Bovino allegedly insisted, asserting his authority.

Furthermore, the report revealed that Bovino allegedly referred to undocumented immigrants as “scum, trash and filth” in a speech to his agents. This language has drawn criticism and highlights a harsh attitude within some enforcement circles.

Looking Ahead

The revelations about the TSA-ICE partnership and the aggressive tactics employed by some enforcement leaders raise significant questions about immigration policy and its implementation. As these programs continue, the public and policymakers will likely be watching closely for further developments and their impact on civil liberties and airport security.

Source: NYT: TSA tipped off ICE agents before arrest of mother and child at airport (YouTube)