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 Unite Here Local 17, a union representing over 6,000 hospitality workers in the Minneapolis area, several employees were apprehended while arriving for their shifts or during their work hours.
The recent operation, which began in early March 2024, involves increased oversight at MSP, including the presence of ICE agents stationed throughout the airport. Agents have been seen on jetbridges and terminals, checking the documentation of both arriving travelers and airport employees. This initiative is part of a broader enforcement strategy in the Minneapolis area, known for civil discontent and protests in recent years.
Reports from CBS News indicate that workers detained were primarily employed in hospitality roles, including retail and dining sectors. Wade Luneburg, political director of Unite Here Local 17, noted that many of these individuals were apprehended immediately after passing through TSA security. Some were taken while on duty, despite having already cleared background checks and possessing legal work authorization.
ICE’s Expanded Operations at MSP
An internal memo leaked to FOX 9 MSP highlighted the extent of ICE’s operations. The three-week initiative involves agents actively monitoring jetbridges and airport terminals, significantly broadening their scope beyond traditional security checkpoints. While U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE, they are advised to comply to avoid unnecessary detention. Reports have emerged of individuals being detained even after presenting valid identification.
Critics argue that ICE’s presence at the airport raises constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches. Travelers and airport staff have raised alarms about the implications of such operations, with many questioning the legality and morality of the increased surveillance.
MSP serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and handles over 37 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. Travelers have been forewarned to expect potential document checks and questioning during their time at the airport. Starting in May 2025, passengers flying without a REAL ID or approved identification may face new fees and delays at TSA checkpoints.
Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement
The heightened activities of ICE agents have sparked significant backlash across the Minneapolis community. Many residents and advocates view the agency’s enforcement operations as an overreach of authority, prompting protests and public outcry. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which oversees MSP, clarified that it does not receive advance notice of ICE’s enforcement actions and does not coordinate with federal agents. However, the commission acknowledged that federal agents are granted “broad access” to all airport areas.
In recent weeks, the frequency of deportation flights operating out of MSP has increased dramatically, shifting from one or two per week to approximately two daily flights. This uptick has drawn the attention of local advocacy groups, who have organized demonstrations in response.
As ICE continues its enforcement operations, the situation at MSP remains fluid, with ongoing implications for airport workers and travelers alike. The intersection of immigration enforcement and civil rights at such a critical transportation hub will likely remain a contentious issue in the months to come.
