Larson Blasts Covert ICE Operations Targeting Travelers at Connecticut Airports

East Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted the Trump Administration after reporting revealed that ICE is conducting covert enforcement operations at Bradley and Tweed Airports. Following these reports, Larson will pursue action in Congress to end the alleged data-sharing between federal agencies and immigration enforcement that enabled ICE's operations at Bradley and Tweed.

"I am outraged by the news of covert ICE operations at our state's airports-where agents are secretly snatching residents out of security lines," said Larson. "Armed with residents' personal data, ICE is once again operating as President Trump's personal army-as they leave state and local law enforcement, and even airport officials, in the dark. This rogue agency-which I have voted against since its inception-is only continuing their Gestapo tactics: ripping families apart and executing citizens on our streets in broad daylight. They are past reform. ICE needs to be abolished, and Secretary Mullin must resign. As these abuses continue on his watch, he has proven that he cannot be trusted to lead any agency, let alone the Department of Homeland Security. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to end this secret information sharing, hold this administration accountable, and get this out-of-control secret police off our streets and out of our state."

ICE has allegedly used passengers' personal pre-flight data, including names, addresses, and credit card numbers, to identify individuals and remove them from security lines as part of the routine screening process. The Connecticut Airport Authority was never notifiedof these actions and has still not been briefed on how many people have been taken so far.

Rep. Larson, who voted against the creation of ICE, has called for the Secretary's resignation and an independent investigation into ICE activities. He was labeled an "anti-ICE Democrat" and placed on a "watch list" by Trump officials for his forceful advocacy against the administration's attacks on immigrant families, and his call to abolish ICE altogether.