What’s Happening
Over the weekend, President Trump announced on social media that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are being deployed to select airports across the U.S., and in Puerto Rico, to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers due to staffing shortages amid the partial government shutdown.
These airports include:
- Chicago-O’Hare International Airport (Illinois)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Ohio)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Georgia)
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Texas)
- Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (Texas)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- LaGuardia Airport (New York)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Louisiana)
- Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (Puerto Rico)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey)
- Philadelphia International Airport (Pennsylvania)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Arizona)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (Pennsylvania)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (Florida)
Be Prepared
The presence of ICE agents makes airports high-risk spaces for immigration enforcement. Currently, there are no California airports on the list of locations for TSA support; however, ICE has still been reported in and around airports across the state.
If you have upcoming travel plans, it is important to be prepared and understand your rights when interacting with immigration and law enforcement at airports, regardless of your immigration status.
*This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement Actions
Airports are generally considered public spaces, and ICE may approach and ask questions. Regardless of immigration status, you have the right to:
- Remain silent.
- Refuse consent to searches.
- Ask if you are free to leave.
- Ask for a lawyer if detained.
Do not lie or provide false documents to immigration agents or sign anything you do not fully understand.
Note: This section applies to encounters with immigration enforcement officers. At airports, TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) generally have the authority to search your property.
U.S. Citizens & LPRs
- When at the airport, if you are a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who has maintained status, you only need to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship/legal status and the nature and purpose of your trip. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can ask you about anything that you are bringing back to the U.S. and may examine your luggage.
- You do not have to answer specific questions about your religious beliefs and practices or political opinions, and you cannot be denied entry into the U.S. for refusing to answer, although delays may occur.
- LPRs must carry proof of their lawful status, including their “green card.”
For Non-U.S. Citizens
- TSA is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security and may refer undocumented individuals to ICE agents. If you are undocumented or have temporary status, you may face an increased risk of detention or deportation—even if you have a pending application.
- If you do not have legal status in the U.S., consider the risks that may be at airports before booking travel.
- Reconsider all non-essential domestic and international travel. If you must travel, consult an immigration attorney first.
Those with an increased risk include DACA recipients, individuals with temporary status that has expired or been revoked, non-citizens with a criminal history (even if the charges were dropped), undocumented individuals, and individuals with pending asylum or other immigration cases.
Additional Tips
- Print out paper boarding passes instead of using electronic ones.
- Log out of accounts on your devices, disable fingerprint or face unlock, and consider traveling with a temporary device. Power down your phone while going through security.
- If traveling with others, create an emergency plan with your group.
- Share your travel itinerary and passport/visa details with a trusted person not traveling with you.
- Memorize important phone numbers, including an immigration attorney and at least one trusted contact who can respond quickly if you need help.
- Don’t sign anything without first consulting an immigration attorney.
What To Do if You Encounter Issues
If you encounter issues while traveling:
- Document the name, agency, badge number, and contact number of anyone you speak to.
- Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident
- Do not run or resist physically.
- Report the incident to your local CAIR office.
Contact CAIR-CA
CAIR-CA offers high-quality, free immigration and civil rights legal services to the community. If you require immigration assistance, contact your local CAIR-CA office:
- Greater Los Angeles Area: (714) 776-1177 (ext. #1)
- Sacramento Valley/Central CA: (916) 441-6269
- San Diego: (858) 278-4547
- San Francisco Bay Area: (408) 986-9874
