Over a dozen workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) have been detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of an expanded enforcement operation. The local hospitality union, Unite Here Local 17, representing more than 6,000 workers in the Minneapolis area, reported that several airport employees were apprehended while arriving for their shifts or during their work hours. This operation is part of a broader initiative that ICE launched to enhance oversight in the Minneapolis region.
According to reports, ICE agents have increased their presence at MSP airport, conducting document checks not only for travelers but also for airport staff. The operation is expected to last three weeks, with agents positioned throughout the airport, including on jetbridges and within terminals. Workers apprehended are believed to be employed in hospitality roles, such as retail and dining services.
Wade Luneburg, the political director of Unite Here Local 17, stated that many of the detained individuals had already passed TSA security checks and held legal work authorization. He described how some workers were detained shortly after clearing security, while others were taken away while on duty. Luneburg recounted, “They came through the TSA line, and then were quickly detained by ICE or Border Patrol, or some other law enforcement agency.”
Expanded ICE Operations at MSP
A recent memo leaked by an MSP employee to FOX 9 provided further insights into ICE’s activities at the airport. The increased enforcement measures involve agents conducting stop-and-search operations beyond standard security areas, which has raised concerns among workers and passengers alike. While U.S. citizens are not legally required to show identification to ICE agents, they are advised to cooperate to avoid potential detention. Reports have emerged of U.S. citizens being detained even after presenting valid identification, leading to accusations of unconstitutional practices by ICE.
MSP serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and handles over 37 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. Travelers are being warned to expect possible document checks and questioning when flying through MSP. Starting from May 2025, flying without a REAL ID or approved identification may result in an additional $18 biometric check fee, delays, or even denied boarding at TSA checkpoints.
Community Response and Legal Implications
The recent uptick in ICE operations at MSP has sparked significant concern among community members and labor advocates. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP, clarified that its Airport Police Department does not receive advance notice of ICE activities and does not coordinate with them. However, it highlighted that federal agents have broad access to airport facilities.
In recent weeks, MSP has also seen an increase in deportation flights, with reports indicating that flights have risen from one or two per week to approximately two daily. This development has prompted large protest groups to gather at the airport, reflecting widespread discontent with ICE’s enforcement measures.
As ICE continues its operations, the implications for airport workers and the broader community remain uncertain. The situation at MSP underscores ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and civil liberties, particularly regarding the rights of individuals at public transportation hubs.
