Julio Varela Accuses United Airlines Employee of Racism After She Threatens to Call ICE During a Ticketing Dispute

Julio Varela, a San Ramon business owner and naturalized U.S. citizen, accused a United Airlines employee of being "really, really hateful and it’s really racist" after she threatened to call immigration authorities on him. The confrontation occurred at San Francisco International Airport on July 14 while Varela was attempting to resolve a ticketing error for a flight to Montreal. During the exchange, the employee—a union steward for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers—told Varela, "Maybe we should call ICE on you. You’re not acting like a citizen." Varela expressed frustration that the comment was made to a Hispanic person who owns a business and pays taxes. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, drawing criticism from travelers who felt the threat was unprovoked. United Airlines is currently investigating the interaction. While the airline has not officially confirmed the employee's status, Varela reported that she may have been suspended. The incident highlights growing passenger anxiety regarding federal immigration enforcement at major transit hubs.

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