The deployment of ICE agents to airports across the country to assist the understaffed TSA has hit a panic button for many as they fear airports will become the arena for violent action by ICE. TSA asked to help at airports to reduce long lines as DHS funding freezes Immigration officers should not be performing their routine immigration enforcement work, but immigration experts are advising people to stay safe. Indian-origin immigration lawyer Saimitra Reddy released a video on ICE’s deployment at airports and said her intention was not to create fear but to educate people as ICE has wide discretion and can question anyone about their residence proof.
Avoid traveling if
Reddy said those who are in the gray area and their legality is not clearly defined should avoid traveling now
- If your application is pending with USCIS
- If you have any kind of criminal or arrest history
- If your visa has been canceled or expired
- If you are under any temporary status such as TPS, parole, DACA
- If you are on a 60 day grace period on an H-1B visa
If you are on a valid visa
- Keep proof of that visa, whether it’s your visa-stamped passport or official approval notice.
- Carry your physical EAD card
ICE has a lot of power and they can ask anyone, including legal permanent residents and US citizens, questions about their legal status and ask for documents to prove their legal status, Reddy said, adding that if someone refuses to comply with their demands and requests, they can isolate and detain those individuals for further screening or questioning.
List of airports where ICE agents have been deployed
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
American citizens have the right to remain silent
Legal experts said U.S. citizens have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement, including ICE agents, beyond basic identification in some contexts. Lawful permanent residents and visa holders also have important rights at airports, he said, although their situation is more complex. Noncitizens, especially those without legal status, may face extensive questioning from ICE. However, they still have key rights: the right to remain silent, the right to refuse consent to a search of personal belongings in certain circumstances, and the right to request a lawyer if detained.