ICE agents being deployed to Pittsburgh International Airport
UPDATE: Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato released a statement Monday afternoon:
"Just like Allegheny County does not need ICE agents patrolling our neighborhoods, we don't need ICE at the airport where TSA lines have remained short and manageable. Sending ICE into our public spaces and communities is never about safety and security threats and has led to racial profiling and harassment of our neighbors. Local ICE agents should skip the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is not requesting help. Instead, ICE should investigate why a Haitian refugee in their custody died hours after she was released in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, and ensure tragedies like that don't happen in Allegheny County again."
President Donald Trump announced Sunday ICE agents are being deployed today at US airports.
And, they're going to work at Pittsburgh International.
Border czar Tom Homan said ICE won't operate X-ray machines but will cover exit lanes and check IDs to free up screeners for security checkpoints.
A statement from the Allegheny County Airport Authority says its leadership team remains in close contact with our federal partners at TSA and others as well as local law enforcement with Allegheny County Police.
The statement reads:
The Allegheny County Airport Authority is aware of the announcement from the federal government that ICE agents will be deployed to airports across the country. Federal agencies have not announced the exact plans for how ICE will operate at airports but our leadership team remains in close contact with our federal partners at TSA and others as well as local law enforcement with Allegheny County Police.
Safety and security are always the top priority at airports around the country. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and stay in contact with our law enforcement partners.
How federal agencies operate is not something that any airport, including ACAA controls.
How federal agencies operate is not something that any airport, including ACAA controls.
