If you’re passing through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), do not be taken aback if you encounter a different kind of document inspection. According to FOX 9 MSP, ICE will be conducting patrols at MSP Airport for the upcoming three weeks. Agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be increasing their presence at MSP Airport, which could heighten tensions in Minnesota. ICE intends to begin verifying the documents of travelers and staff at MSP, both within the terminal and on jet bridges. This information was obtained from a document circulated by an airport employee, although the airport has not officially validated it, merely stating that federal regulations provide ICE agents with “wide access” to airport facilities.
US citizens are not obligated to present identification to ICE agents, yet there have been cases of US citizens being apprehended by ICE, making it not entirely reliable. Green card holders must carry identification at all times. Travelers are required to show a passport or REAL ID to access the airside of an airport, which is meant to confirm citizenship.
This marks a significant escalation of prior ICE methods. ICE agents have extensive authority to enter airports, and recently, the TSA has been supplying passenger lists to ICE to aid in deportation operations. However, the initiative at MSP appears more extensive, with ICE broadly examining travel documents instead of focusing on specific individuals. While officers from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are commonly seen on international flight jet bridges, this heightened surveillance now affects employees and domestic passengers, a situation that is unusual.
In summary, ICE will reportedly be patrolling MSP Airport, including jet bridges, to request identification from travelers and staff. Although US citizens are not required to show ID to ICE agents, there exists a possibility for escalation.