Tom Homan announced on Sunday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel will be stationed at airports across the country starting Monday morning. This deployment represents a significant expansion of domestic enforcement activities in high-traffic transportation areas.
Homan stated that the objective is to identify and detain individuals who have entered the country illegally or are subject to final orders of removal. The initiative aligns with a broader federal effort to increase the visibility of interior enforcement measures.
While specific airports were not named, officials indicated that major international hubs will see the first wave of personnel. Agents are expected to operate in various sections of airport facilities, including ticketing areas and baggage claims.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents will coordinate with the Transportation Security Administration and local law enforcement. This multi-agency approach is intended to streamline the identification process for individuals of interest.
The deployment follows executive directives aimed at addressing unauthorized migration through direct intervention. Administration officials have cited national security and public safety as the primary justifications for the operational shift.
Legal analysts noted that the presence of federal agents in transit hubs may raise questions regarding the scope of administrative searches. Civil liberties groups are monitoring the situation to assess the impact on traveler rights and privacy.
ICE officials emphasized that agents would focus on high-priority targets, such as those with previous criminal convictions. This targeted approach is intended to maximize resource impact during the initial phase of the program.
The operation involves the reassignment of hundreds of agents from various regional field offices. This shift has prompted discussions regarding the allocation of federal resources across different sectors of immigration management.
Travelers are expected to encounter an increased law enforcement presence, though officials claim operations will not interfere with flight schedules. The agency intends to maintain commerce flow while fulfilling its enforcement mandate.
Government spokespeople signaled that this initiative is part of a strategy to increase enforcement at transit points. Periodic updates are expected as the deployment progresses throughout the week.