Ice Agents At Airports: What You Need To Know

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the US Department of Homeland Security. ICE's mission is to protect the United States from cross-border crime and undocumented immigration that threaten national security and public safety. This is achieved through the enforcement of over 400 federal statutes, focusing on customs violations, immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. ICE has arrested individuals at airports, such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, and has also used local airports to deport dangerous criminal aliens.

ICE's use of local airports to deport dangerous criminals

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relies on local airports and airline officials to deport dangerous criminals from the United States. ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is responsible for identifying, arresting, and removing individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The Role of Local Airports

Local airports play a critical role in ICE's deportation operations. ICE utilizes these airports as departure points for its deportation flights, both domestic and international. One notable example is King County International Airport-Boeing Field in Seattle, which has been frequently mentioned in ICE's deportation reports.

Impact on Communities and Taxpayers

The cooperation of local officials is crucial for the efficient removal of dangerous criminals. Without their support, ICE's ability to carry out its mission is hindered, potentially allowing criminals to remain in communities and reoffend. Expeditious removal promotes public safety and reduces overall costs to taxpayers.

Examples of Criminal Aliens Deported

• A Mexican citizen wanted for human trafficking was deported from King County International Airport-Boeing Field on April 3, 2019.
• A Russian sex offender with multiple convictions, including possession of child pornography and communicating with a minor, was deported from SeaTac Airport on April 9, 2019.
• A Honduran man wanted for multiple counts of murder, rape, attempted murder, and vehicle theft was deported from King County International Airport-Boeing Field on May 2, 2018.
• A former Mexican policeman wanted for the 1994 beating death of a man he arrested was deported from King County International Airport-Boeing Field on November 14, 2016.

ICE's Deportation Process

ICE follows extensive and rigorous procedures before an individual can be ordered for removal from the United States, including providing a full and fair opportunity to pursue asylum and other forms of relief. Once the removal is ordered by a federal immigration judge, ICE is responsible for carrying out the removal efficiently.

Human Rights Concerns

There have been concerns raised about the human rights implications of ICE's deportation processes. Allegations of physical abuse, due process violations, and lack of travel documents have been reported in some cases. However, ICE maintains that cooperation by local officials is essential for promoting public safety and protecting communities.

ICE's Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP)

The Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) is an alternative to a detention program. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determines that an individual is eligible for bond or to be released on their own recognizance after being detained for an immigration violation, they are likely to be enrolled in ISAP.

ICE contracts agents to supervise ISAP participants using a variety of methods, including but not limited to: ankle bracelets, telephonic reporting (landlines and cellphones), GPS tracking, and unannounced visits to participants' homes.

ISAP check-ins are meetings with an agent contracted by ICE at a date and time determined by them to ensure that the participant is complying with the terms of their release. This meeting usually occurs once per month at the closest ICE/ISAP office.

If enrolled in in-person check-ins, participants must go to their designated location at the designated time and date. If enrolled in phone check-ins, they must answer ISAP calls at the designated time and date. If a participant has a smartphone, they may also inquire about using ISAP's check-in app.

It is important to note that failure to attend an ISAP check-in may result in arrest for violation of release terms. If a check-in is missed, it is the participant's responsibility to immediately contact their representative or advocate and their ICE/ISAP office to address the problem.

There is no standard or formal process to initiate the removal of an ankle bracelet. The decision to remove an ankle bracelet is made by ISAP on a case-by-case basis. Participants can increase the likelihood of ISAP deciding to remove their ankle bracelet by complying with the terms of their release, including attending check-ins and updating ISAP of any changes to their address.

Collateral arrests

ICE's acting assistant director of field operations for enforcement removal operations, Todd Lyons, states that ICE does not conduct "blanket sweeps" or "large-scale roundups" and that their targets have been arrested by local municipalities for felonies or egregious crimes. However, Napier questions whether ICE agents would simply turn away if they encounter someone without a criminal record but who is undocumented during their operations.

The potential for collateral arrests is influenced by various factors, including detention bed space, congressional funding, and agreements with other countries for deported individuals. Additionally, local jurisdictions' cooperation with ICE plays a significant role in their operations. According to Lyons, when jurisdictions do not cooperate, ICE agents have to go into the community, which puts their officers at risk.

ICE's mission, as stated by Bryan Wilcox, the acting field operations director of ERO Seattle, is to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a danger to national security or are a risk to public safety. This mission is executed through the enforcement of over 400 federal statutes, focusing on customs violations, immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods.

Sanctuary cities

The phrase "sanctuary city" is not a legal term, but one that has developed over time, reflecting a response to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) policies and actions. Sanctuary cities are not a new phenomenon, with Berkeley, California, becoming the first city to claim this status in 1971. Sanctuary cities exist from coast to coast in the United States and promote the ideals of human rights, the separation of local and federal law, and the empowerment of communities to grow with the help of immigrants.

Proponents of sanctuary cities argue that enforcement of federal law is not the duty of localities, and that law enforcement resources can be better prioritised. Sanctuary cities report positive outcomes, including lower-than-average crime rates, higher household incomes, and lower poverty rates.

As of March 2021, over 560 cities, states, and counties in the United States considered themselves sanctuaries. Some of the sanctuary states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, as well as Washington, D.C.

The use of surveillance technologies

Surveillance technologies are a crucial aspect of airport security, with advancements in technology revolutionizing the way airports secure their premises. One of the key technologies employed is the integration of cameras with advanced analytic capabilities. These cameras are paired with robust open-platform Video Management Systems (VMS), enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of detection implementations. This enables round-the-clock perimeter protection, including passenger surveillance, maintenance of system orders, deterrence of disruptive behaviour, and swift emergency response.

Biometric authentication has emerged as a game-changer in airport security, leveraging unique human traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice recognition. Biometric systems expedite the authentication process while reducing the risk of identity fraud. They assist authorities in detecting potential threats and ensuring that only authorized individuals access restricted areas. Airports can seamlessly integrate biometrics at every touchpoint, from check-in to boarding, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Drones have also proven to be an effective tool for airport surveillance. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, drones can patrol vast areas, including runways and perimeter fences, to detect potential breaches or suspicious activities. Advanced video analytics technologies further enhance security by automatically flagging unusual behaviour for further investigation.

Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors has become an integral part of airport security infrastructure. These interconnected devices monitor various aspects of airport operations, from surveillance cameras to access control systems, providing real-time data that enhances situational awareness and enables quick responses to security incidents. IoT sensors also contribute to predictive maintenance, ensuring that security equipment remains operational.

Another significant development in airport security is the use of blockchain technology to bolster data security. The distributed ledger architecture of blockchain makes it highly secure and resistant to hacking, manipulation, or deciphering attempts. This technology is ideal for protecting sensitive information stored online, such as aircraft booking systems, airline reservations, financial transactions, and passenger identification data.

Frequently asked questions