More than a dozen workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have been detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of an ongoing enforcement operation. According to the local union, Unite Here Local 17, the apprehensions occurred as workers arrived for their shifts. This operation marks an intensified effort by ICE to monitor both travelers and airport employees amid a broader enforcement push in the Minneapolis area.
In recent days, reports have emerged indicating that several employees, primarily in hospitality roles such as retail and dining, were apprehended shortly after passing through TSA security. Wade Luneburg, the political director of Unite Here Local 17, stated that many of the individuals detained had already cleared background checks and possessed legal work authorization. Some workers were taken while heading to their jobs, while others were detained on-site.
Details of the Operation
ICE has increased its presence at MSP as part of a three-week operation that includes agents stationed throughout the airport. Notably, these agents are present on jetbridges and in terminals, conducting document checks beyond traditional security areas. This expanded oversight aims to ensure compliance with immigration laws, contributing to heightened tensions among workers and travelers alike.
Luneburg highlighted a troubling incident involving two employees who were detained immediately after finishing their shifts at an airport restaurant. He described how they had just cleared the TSA line when they were approached by ICE agents. “They were quickly detained by ICE or Border Patrol, or some other law enforcement agency,” Luneburg explained.
Despite the legal framework that allows ICE agents access to airports and their facilities, criticism of their tactics has surged. Many see the increased scrutiny as unconstitutional, particularly concerning the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Travelers at MSP have been advised to cooperate with ICE agents to avoid potential misunderstandings, even though U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification.
Impact on Travelers and Airport Operations
MSP, a major hub for Delta Air Lines, serves over 37 million passengers annually. Delta travelers have been warned to expect potential document checks and questioning when passing through the airport. The situation is further complicated by an upcoming requirement that, starting from May 2025, passengers without a REAL ID or approved identification may face new fees, delays, or denied boarding at TSA checkpoints.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP, has stated that the Airport Police Department is not informed in advance of ICE’s enforcement activities and does not coordinate with the agency. Nevertheless, MAC acknowledged that federal agents are granted “broad access” to the airport. Recent weeks have also seen an increase in deportation flights based out of Signature Aviation’s private terminal, rising from one or two per week to around two daily flights. This uptick has prompted protests outside the airport, reflecting public concern over ICE’s operations.
The situation at MSP illustrates the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and civil rights, raising significant questions about the balance of security and personal freedoms. As ICE continues its operations, the impact on both workers and travelers is likely to remain a contentious issue in the weeks ahead.
