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The administration announced a new enforcement tactic of arresting illegal immigrants at airports to streamline the deportation process.

The administration announced a new enforcement tactic of arresting illegal immigrants at airports to streamline the deportation process. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now frequently detaining passengers who have overstayed their visas or are in a pending status, even if they have valid work authorization. This shift marks a departure from the Biden-era policy that allowed illegal immigrants to fly domestically without risk of arrest. Legal experts note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now sharing passenger data more frequently with ICE, allowing for efficient name-matching at checkpoints. This method allows ICE to bypass traditional warrants and home visits, turning routine air travel into a legal status audit. Advocates warn that travelers without legal status should consult with attorneys before flying. While the administration maintains that the goal is to ensure illegal immigrants do not fly domestically unless they are ready to self-deport, some travelers, such as Iryna Gorb, have been caught off guard by the sudden arrests at gates and check-in counters.

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