President Donald Trump has ordered ICE agents to assist at U.S. airports to mitigate extensive security delays caused by worker shortages. These shortages are impacting nationwide travel, especially during the spring break period. TSA employees have worked without pay for over 37 days due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Administration officials, including Tom Homan and Sean Duffy, clarified that the ICE agents will perform non-specialized tasks. This step aims to reduce passenger waiting time and maintain airport security.
In related news, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities for allegedly overstaying his visa. Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested on July 14 in Nashville, Tennessee. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Thompson’s visa expired on October 16, 2021, after he entered the U.S. on April 17, 2021.
ICE stated that Thompson had violated U.S. laws by overstaying his visa. “He will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings,” said an ICE spokesperson.
Illegal immigrants are offered $2,600 and a free flight to return to their countries. “We encourage every illegal resident to take this offer to return legally later,” the agency noted.
The union representing Southwest Airlines flight attendants, TWU Local 556, confirmed Thompson’s arrest. The union expressed its commitment to supporting Thompson and his family. “Every Member deserves dignity and respect,” the union declared on Facebook.
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) stated that Thompson was pursuing U.S. citizenship. They described him as a kind and hardworking individual. An online crowdfunding effort has been launched to aid in Thompson’s legal expenses. The page emphasizes his lack of a criminal record and his efforts to build a stable life in the U.S.
Passengers at airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, have experienced delays as ICE agents support TSA staffing needs. ICE officials indicated this deployment was essential to maintaining security during the ongoing government shutdown.