Over a dozen workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have been detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a statement from the local hospitality union. The Unite Here Local 17, which represents more than 6,000 workers in the Minneapolis area, reported that the detentions occurred as employees arrived for their shifts or while they were on the job.
This operation is part of ICE’s intensified enforcement activities at MSP, which began recently and is set to continue for three weeks. Agents will be stationed in various locations throughout the airport, including on jetbridges and within terminal areas, to conduct document checks on both travelers and personnel.
Details of the Operation
Reports indicate that several detained individuals were employed in hospitality roles, such as retail and dining. Wade Luneburg, political director of Unite Here Local 17, highlighted that many workers were apprehended shortly after they cleared TSA security. In particular, he noted cases where employees were detained immediately following their shifts at an airport restaurant.
“They came through the TSA line, and then were quickly detained by ICE or Border Patrol, or some other law enforcement agency. [It was] on the back-end of security and they were just taken away,” Luneburg told CBS News.
ICE has been expanding its presence at MSP, conducting checks that extend beyond the security checkpoints. According to a leaked memo obtained by FOX 9 MSP, the agency’s operations involve a broader stop-and-search initiative that raises concerns among the workforce.
While U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE agents, they are encouraged to comply to avoid potential detention. Reports have emerged of U.S. citizens being detained despite presenting valid identification. Critics argue that ICE’s oversight may infringe upon constitutional rights, particularly under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
Impact on Airport Operations
MSP serves as a significant hub for Delta Air Lines and handles over 37 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. Travelers flying through MSP have been advised to anticipate potential document checks and questioning as part of the enhanced enforcement measures.
Concerns about ICE’s activities have sparked a national debate, particularly in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has intensified. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP, clarified that its Airport Police Department does not receive prior notice of immigration enforcement actions and does not coordinate with ICE operations. Despite this, federal agents are granted broad access to the airport facilities.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in deportation flights originating from MSP, with reports indicating that these flights have surged from one or two per week to approximately two daily. This rise in activity has prompted protests from community groups, reflecting growing tensions surrounding immigration policy enforcement.
As the operation continues, the implications for airport workers and travelers alike remain to be seen, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing security measures with civil liberties.
