By Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has sent an urgent alert to residents of her New York district following reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents being deployed to TSA checkpoints at 13 airports across the United States. In her message, the congresswoman urged immigrant New Yorkers to familiarise themselves with their legal
rights and take precautionary steps before travelling through any airport.
According to Ocasio-Cortez, the ICE deployment began on Monday morning and includes the three major airports serving New York City — John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. Other airports where ICE agents have been stationed include Chicago O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Houston’s
William P. Hobby Airport, Philadelphia International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh International, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International, Cleveland Hopkins International, Luis Munoz Marin International in Puerto Rico, and Southwest Florida International Airport.
The congresswoman outlined which groups of immigrants face the greatest risk when encountering ICE at airports. Those most at risk include individuals with old deportation orders — even orders issued during childhood — those with temporary legal status that has since been terminated, people with pending immigration applications including asylum seekers and green card applicants, anyone with a criminal history including arrests that were later dropped, green card holders with certain convictions, and those with DACA or other forms of deferred action status.
Ocasio-Cortez offered a series of practical safety recommendations for anyone travelling through an airport. She advised immigrants to carry physical copies of documents proving their lawful status and certified copies of any relevant court orders. She also recommended turning off biometric locks on phones and laptops before entering the airport, memorising the phone number of a trusted lawyer and at least one family member who could be reached in an emergency, and completing a Department of Homeland Security Privacy Waiver form in advance so that her office can intervene on their behalf if needed.
On the question of legal support, the congresswoman reminded constituents that congressional offices are not permitted to provide legal advice directly, but directed them to the Justice Department’s list of pro bono legal service providers for free assistance. She also pointed to the NYC Mayor’s Office on Immigrant Affairs, which has produced Know Your Rights booklets in multiple languages for immigrant communities across the city.
“In a world where uncertainty can breed fear, knowledge is our best shield,” Ocasio-Cortez said in her message. She urged anyone with a pending immigration case or complications with travel documents to contact her office directly for assistance.
