More than a dozen workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents recently, according to Unite Here Local 17, a union that represents over 6,000 hospitality workers in the Minneapolis area. The detentions occurred as these employees arrived for their shifts, marking a significant increase in ICE’s presence at the airport.
As part of a three-week operation, ICE has intensified its oversight at MSP. Agents are strategically positioned across the airport, including on jetbridges and inside terminals, to conduct document checks on both travelers and airport staff. This operation aligns with broader enforcement efforts in the Minneapolis area, which has experienced civil unrest in recent years.
Details of the Detentions
Reports indicate that the detained workers were primarily employed in hospitality roles, including retail and dining. Wade Luneburg, political director of Unite Here Local 17, informed CBS News that many individuals were detained shortly after clearing TSA security. Others faced apprehension while on the job. Notably, these workers had previously passed background checks and held valid work authorization.
Luneburg highlighted the case of two workers who were taken away immediately after completing their shifts. “They came through the TSA line, and then were quickly detained by ICE or Border Patrol, or some other law enforcement agency,” he stated. The union has expressed concern about the impact of these actions on workers who contribute significantly to the airport’s operations.
ICE’s Expanded Activities and Community Response
A leaked memo obtained by FOX 9 MSP revealed further details about ICE’s operations at the airport. Agents are now conducting extensive stop-and-search activities, often acting on known intelligence. While U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE agents, they are advised to cooperate to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to wrongful detention. There have been instances where legitimate identification was dismissed as counterfeit, leading to unnecessary detentions.
Many community members and local leaders view ICE’s actions as unconstitutional, particularly regarding the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unwarranted searches. MSP Airport serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which has advised travelers to expect potential document checks and questioning when flying through the airport.
The airport handles over 37 million passengers annually, ranking among the busiest in the country. Starting from May 2025, passengers without a REAL ID or an approved identification may incur an $18 biometric check fee, face delays, or even be denied boarding at TSA checkpoints.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP, clarified that the Airport Police Department does not receive prior notice of ICE’s enforcement activities, nor do they coordinate with ICE operations. Nevertheless, federal agents are granted broad access to the airport facilities.
In recent weeks, there has been a notable increase in deportation flights originating from MSP, with reports indicating a rise from one or two flights per week to approximately two daily flights. This surge has prompted large protests around the airport, reflecting the community’s growing concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices.
As ICE continues its operations at MSP, the implications for workers and travelers remain significant, raising questions about the intersection of immigration policy and civil rights in public spaces.
