More than a dozen workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) were detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a recent operation. This initiative, aimed at increasing oversight in the area, involved agents positioned throughout the airport, including on jetbridges as workers arrived for their shifts.
According to Unite Here Local 17, a hospitality union representing over 6,000 workers in the Minneapolis area, some airport employees were apprehended shortly after they cleared TSA security. The union’s political director, Wade Luneburg, reported that many of those detained had already passed background checks and held valid work authorizations. The targeted workers are believed to be involved in hospitality roles, such as retail and dining.
The heightened ICE presence at MSP is part of a broader three-week operation aimed at enforcing immigration laws in the Minneapolis area, which has experienced significant civil unrest in recent years. This strategy has led to increased scrutiny of both passengers and employees, extending beyond standard security checks. Luneburg stated that some workers were taken away while they were on duty, shortly after finishing their shifts at airport restaurants. He noted, “They came through the TSA line and then were quickly detained by ICE or Border Patrol.”
Expanded ICE Operations Raise Concerns
Reports indicate that ICE agents are conducting extensive document checks throughout MSP, including inside terminals and on jetbridges. A leaked memo obtained by FOX 9 MSP detailed the agents’ activities, which suggest a much broader operation than previously known. Although U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE agents, they are encouraged to cooperate to avoid potential wrongful detention.
There have been instances where legitimate identifications were dismissed as fraudulent, leading to further complications for U.S. citizens. Critics of ICE’s oversight view these actions as unconstitutional, particularly concerning the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
As a primary hub for Delta Air Lines, MSP serves over 37 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. Travelers should be prepared for potential document checks and questioning while passing through the airport. Starting in May 2025, passengers who fail to present a REAL ID or an approved form of identification may face new fees, delays, or even denied boarding at TSA checkpoints.
Impact on Immigration Enforcement and Community Response
The recent ICE operations at MSP have sparked significant public outcry, particularly in Minneapolis. Federal agents are legally permitted to access airports and their facilities, including landside and airside locations. However, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has clarified that the Airport Police Department does not receive advance notice of immigration enforcement activities and does not coordinate with ICE.
In recent weeks, deportation flights originating from MSP have increased, with reports indicating a rise from one or two flights per week to approximately two daily flights. This surge has led to large protests around the airport, highlighting community concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices and their implications for workers and families.
As the situation unfolds, the balance between national security and workers’ rights remains a contentious topic in the Minneapolis area, with ongoing discussions about the role of immigration enforcement in public spaces. The broader implications of these operations will likely continue to draw attention as community members respond to the changing landscape of immigration policy and enforcement in their region.
