ICE deploys to over a dozen airports amid Department of Homeland Security shutdown - EL PAÍS
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deployed agents to more than a dozen U.S. airports while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) experienced a lapse in appropriations.
- The move comes as essential DHS functions generally continue during a shutdown, while some agency staff are furloughed and routine services are delayed.
- Airport enforcement can mean questioning, detentions, or removal referrals for noncitizens; U.S. citizens retain constitutional protections and should not be subject to immigration detention.
- Travelers and immigrants should carry proof of status, know their rights, and contact counsel if approached by enforcement officers.
What was reported
It has been reported that ICE deployed officers to over a dozen airports during a period when DHS funding lapsed. Allegedly, the intent was to continue enforcement operations at transportation hubs even as parts of DHS scaled back or furloughed nonessential personnel. The deployment, as described in news reports, targeted airports rather than border crossings; media accounts emphasize heightened enforcement presence at terminals and surrounding airport facilities.
Legal and operational context
DHS is the parent department for agencies such as ICE, CBP (Customs and Border Protection), TSA (Transportation Security Administration), and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). When Congress fails to pass appropriations, many federal workers are furloughed, but “essential” law‑enforcement functions typically continue. Historically, ICE has conducted airport arrests and referrals for removal proceedings; civil immigration enforcement at airports is lawful for noncitizens suspected of being removable, though U.S. citizens cannot be held for immigration reasons. A shutdown can also slow administrative functions — for example, USCIS processing and some immigration court supports — even if enforcement continues.
What this means for people
For migrants, visa holders, lawful permanent residents, and asylum seekers, increased enforcement at airports raises real risks: additional questioning, potential detention, or referral to removal proceedings. Practically, travelers should carry government ID and, if applicable, documentation proving lawful status (green card, visa, employment authorization). If approached by ICE or CBP, do not resist; ask to speak with a lawyer and, if possible, record officer identification. Immigration attorneys and advocates recommend knowing basic rights (e.g., the right to remain silent and to request counsel) and having emergency contact information for legal help before travel.
Source: [Original Article](https://news.google.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?oc=5