ICE Intensifies Arrests as Airlines Slow Operations at Airports

ICE conducts between 20 and 40 arrests daily at U.S. airports, according to sources cited by national media outlets. The figure exceeds the average of 10 daily detentions recorded in May 2025. Operations have already reached at least 15 airports.

Plainclothes agents have detained people with expired visas, pending immigration cases, and valid work permits. Spouses of U.S. citizens are also among those affected. The strategy has created tension with several airlines. Some companies require legal documentation before sharing data or allowing actions within their aircraft.

How Do ICE Operations Work?

Immigration agents use flight manifests to identify specific passengers. Then, they wait at counters, lounges, or boarding gates. The intervention can occur before a person boards the plane. In some cases, agents approach when the passenger scans their boarding pass.

The agreement between the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, and ICE allows information sharing. However, the memorandum does not automatically authorize all arrests. According to the report, ICE focuses on people whose authorized period of stay has ended. This includes cases where the visa expired, even if a pending immigration application exists.

Migration operations increase at U.S. airports. — Members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) service guard at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (U.S.). EFE/ José Luis Castillo

Those awaiting a renewal are also exposed. Having an active application does not always equate to having permanent immigration status. Detention does not automatically mean immediate deportation. ICE must initiate or continue immigration proceedings, unless a final order exists.

The strategy expands surveillance beyond TSA security checkpoints. A passenger may encounter ICE before boarding the plane. The airports in San Francisco, Miami, and Kansas City are among those with the highest activity. Operations have also been reported at other terminals across the country.

Why Are Airlines Questioning ICE?

The most recent incident occurred on July 25 in Dallas. Southwest Airlines personnel prevented an ICE agent from boarding an aircraft. The company also refused to provide passenger information without proper legal documentation. According to The Wall Street Journal, there were at least 6 similar incidents in recent weeks.

Southwest said it cooperates with authorities. However, the company requires officials to present proper orders or authorizations before sharing information. «We have policies in place to ensure that authorities present appropriate legal documentation,» the company stated in a statement.