Family members who accompany travelers to or from U.S. airports may also face risks from immigration raids, as warned by activists and attorneys amid a surge in arrests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A report by Noticias Telemundo revealed that ICE is detaining between 20 and 40 immigrants daily at U.S. airports. This figure was confirmed by a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security to NBC News.
This number marks an increase from the average of about 10 daily arrests recorded in May 2025, when the administration of then-President Donald Trump began implementing immigration arrests at airport terminals.
Potential Risks for Accompanying Family Members
Now, the warning extends beyond those planning to board a flight. Activists and attorneys interviewed by the television network suggested that family members and acquaintances accompanying, picking up, or dropping off a traveler at the airport should also assess their risk.
Carlos Lagos, speaking to Telemundo while traveling, shared that some of his family and friends are apprehensive about going to the airports due to their immigration status.
If travel is unavoidable, experts advise carrying a passport and all relevant immigration documents. Kathia Quirós, an immigration analyst for Telemundo, recommended having a work permit that verifies current status and, if possible, the letter from the Immigration Office confirming approval.
Pre-Planned Enforcement Actions
Abel Núñez, director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), told the network that these detentions are not spontaneous encounters with agents.
According to Núñez, immigration authorities are aware in advance of who is traveling and their immigration status. "This is not about bad luck. When a person arrives, immigration authorities already know who is traveling and what their immigration status is," Núñez explained to the network.
Activists attribute these operations to a strategic plan involving shared information among federal agencies. However, the Department of Homeland Security did not confirm or deny to Telemundo any cooperation between ICE and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for these arrests.
Preventative Measures and Alternatives
The Department of Homeland Security's stance is to prevent individuals residing illegally in the U.S. from flying unless the flight is to voluntarily leave the country.
The television report confirmed arrests of various types in states such as California, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and Tennessee. There are also reports of ICE activity in seven other states, including Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia.
In light of this, Núñez advised immigrants with temporary cases to avoid airports when alternative transportation options exist. He cautioned that current immigration law enforcement could lead some individuals to detention centers, even if they claim legal protection.
"If they can avoid traveling primarily through airports, they should, and seek other options," recommended the CARECEN director.
The warning does not imply that all immigrants entering an airport terminal will be arrested. The highlighted risk focuses on individuals whose immigration status might make them targets for ICE, including those with pending cases or temporary protections.
Concerns had already arisen following documented arrests of individuals with expired visas at check-in counters and boarding gates in at least 15 U.S. airports.
Important Information about Immigration Raids at U.S. Airports
What is the current trend in immigration arrests at U.S. airports?
There has been an increase in immigration arrests at U.S. airports, with ICE detaining between 20 and 40 immigrants daily, as opposed to the previous average of 10 daily arrests.
What should individuals do if they must travel through airports?
Experts recommend carrying a passport, all relevant immigration documents, and a work permit that verifies the current status. It's also advisable to have a letter from the Immigration Office confirming approval.
Are family members also at risk of immigration enforcement at airports?
Yes, family members who accompany, pick up, or drop off travelers at airports may also face risks due to heightened immigration enforcement actions.