Over a dozen workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have been detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on the job, according to reports from the local union, Unite Here Local 17. The hospitality union, representing over 6,000 workers in the Minneapolis area, stated that several employees were apprehended as they arrived for their shifts, marking a significant escalation in ICE’s presence at the airport.
This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative that began in early March 2024, with ICE conducting a three-week operation aimed at increasing oversight of airport activity. Agents have been stationed throughout MSP, including on jetbridges and inside terminals, to check the documents of both travelers and airport employees. Reports indicate that many of those detained were working in hospitality roles, including retail and dining.
According to Wade Luneburg, political director of Unite Here Local 17, individuals were apprehended shortly after clearing TSA security checkpoints. Some were taken away while performing their duties. Luneburg noted, “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.”
Increased ICE Activity at MSP Airport
The operation has drawn attention due to its expansive nature. A memo leaked by an MSP employee to FOX 9 revealed that ICE agents are conducting thorough checks throughout the airport, including on jetbridges where they may act on intelligence. While U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE agents, they are advised to cooperate to avoid potential detention. There have been instances where legitimate identification was dismissed as fraudulent, leading to unnecessary detentions.
Many have raised concerns over the constitutionality of ICE’s actions, particularly in relation to the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unwarranted searches and seizures. The increased scrutiny has caused apprehension among airport staff and travelers alike, with many feeling that their rights are being infringed.
MSP serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and accommodates over 37 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. As a result of the heightened presence of ICE, travelers have been warned to expect potential document checks and questioning while passing through the airport.
Implications for Workers and the Community
The enforcement actions come amid a broader wave of immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis area, which has witnessed significant civil unrest in recent years. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP, has stated that while federal agents have broad access to airport facilities, the Airport Police Department does not receive prior notice of ICE operations.
In recent weeks, there has been a notable increase in deportation flights leaving from MSP, rising from one or two per week to approximately two daily flights. These flights are primarily based out of Signature Aviation’s private terminal, prompting protests from community groups concerned about the implications of such enforcement actions.
As these developments unfold, the situation at MSP continues to evolve, highlighting the complexities and tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in public spaces. The local community remains vigilant, with advocacy groups calling for more transparency and protections for workers affected by these operations.
