Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased detentions at U.S. airports targeting travelers on expired visas, The New York Times reports. The initiative, based on DHS documents and lawyer interviews, reflects an expanded enforcement focus that may include people not previously prioritized for removal. Immigration attorneys now warn clients—particularly those changing status—to avoid domestic air travel when possible. The Times says the operation may involve ICE coordinating with the TSA, but DHS has not confirmed that partnership.
NYT: ICE Increasing Airport Arrests Targeting Travelers With Expired Visas — Lawyers Advise Against Domestic Air Travel
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up operations at U.S. airports to detain travelers who are in the country on expired visas, The New York Times reports. The story cites Department of Homeland Security documents and interviews with immigration attorneys to describe the initiative.
The program is presented as the latest expansion of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy, broadening the focus to include people who historically were not high priorities for deportation. Reports of a surge in arrests at airport checkpoints and terminals have prompted concern among legal advocates and noncitizen travelers.
What Attorneys Are Saying
Immigration lawyers say the new enforcement posture has changed travel advice for clients. Shannon Shepherd, vice chair of the Chicago chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told The Times she previously advised that domestic travel was safe with an ID, but now counsels people who are in the process of changing immigration status to avoid travel when possible.
"Before, I was saying, 'As long as you have an ID, you can travel domestically,'" Shepherd said. "Now I am turning around and saying, 'If you are in the process of changing status, avoid any travel.'"
Possible ICE–TSA Coordination
The Times reports the program appears to build on a partnership between ICE and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), though a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson declined to confirm the arrangement. Details about the scope, locations, and rules guiding the airport operations remain limited in public reporting.
Practical Implications
Noncitizen travelers, especially those with expired visas or undergoing status changes, should consult an immigration attorney before making domestic travel plans. Legal experts recommend checking case status, pending applications, and travel advisories because arrests at airports can have immediate and long-term immigration consequences.
Read more: The New York Times coverage reports the findings based on DHS documents and interviews with immigration lawyers. (Link: https://www.nytimes.com)
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