More than a dozen employees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a recent operation. According to the union representing the workers, Unite Here Local 17, several individuals were apprehended as they arrived for their shifts, sparking concerns about the broader implications of ICE’s actions at the airport.
The operation at MSP is part of an intensified enforcement strategy initiated by ICE, which is set to run for three weeks. Agents are positioned throughout the airport, including on jetbridges and inside terminals, to conduct document checks on both travelers and airport personnel. This increased oversight follows a pattern of civil unrest in the Minneapolis area, where the agency is stepping up its enforcement efforts.
Details of the Detentions
Reports indicate that many of the detained workers were engaged in hospitality roles, such as retail and dining. Wade Luneburg, the political director of Unite Here Local 17, informed CBS News that several employees were taken into custody shortly after passing through TSA security. Others were apprehended while performing their duties. Luneburg emphasized that these workers had already undergone background checks and possessed legal work authorization.
In a troubling turn of events, a leaked memo to FOX 9 MSP revealed that ICE agents are expanding their operations beyond traditional enforcement areas. While US citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE, they are being advised to comply to prevent potential detentions. There have been instances where individuals, despite presenting valid identification, were still detained due to suspicions regarding the authenticity of their IDs.
Impact on Travelers and Workers
MSP, a major hub for Delta Air Lines, serves over 37 million passengers annually. With the potential for increased document checks, travelers are being warned to prepare for possible questioning during their time at the airport. This heightened scrutiny has raised alarms among civil rights advocates, who argue that such actions may violate constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which oversees MSP, clarified that its Airport Police Department does not receive prior notice of ICE operations. While federal agents are granted broad access to airport facilities, MAC emphasized its commitment to public safety and compliance with legal guidelines.
Recent weeks have also seen a surge in deportation flights from MSP, increasing from one or two per week to approximately two daily flights. This escalation has prompted protests from community members, highlighting the tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.
The situation at MSP reflects broader national concerns regarding ICE’s presence in public spaces and the implications for immigrant workers and their families. As the three-week operation continues, the impact on both airport employees and travelers remains to be seen, with many advocating for a careful examination of immigration policies and their enforcement.
