AFA-CWA Advises Crew on ICE Airport

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) has issued guidance to its members on dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airports. The union, representing crew at United, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian, and Frontier, among others, stated this is a rapidly evolving area of law where general advice can quickly become outdated.

Recent weeks have seen growing industry concern over ICE enforcement activity at airports. The union's guidance comes after specific incidents involving airline personnel and passengers.

Union Guidance on Rights and Procedures

The advice clarifies that at U.S. Domestic airports, federal agents generally need a warrant or consent to enter or search a non-public area like a jetbridge or aircraft. It states flight attendants do not have to answer questions about passengers or coworkers. They have the right to remain silent if questioned and cannot be required to assist in an arrest or detainment.

Crew members also have the right to film law enforcement outside of so-called 'sterile areas' of the airport or the cockpit. The guidance is emphatic: "Never answer questions about your coworkers or passengers. If asked about your coworkers’ or passengers’ legal status or any other information, always refuse."

Recent Airport Incidents Involving ICE

Last month, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained by ICE agents at Nashville International Airport. Lorenzo Thompson, who is Jamaican-born, was marched away in uniform after agents learned he was returning to his crew base. He remains in ICE custody as authorities attempt to remove him for overstaying his visa.

Southwest has also faced allegations of being 'complicit' in the detention of a passenger by ICE at Denver International Airport as she attempted to board a plane. A Southwest spokesperson addressed this, stating the airline complies with applicable law when asked to share customer information. The airline has provided its own guidance to employees to ensure appropriate legal documentation is presented by law enforcement prior to interactions in gate areas.

The source for this report is Paddle Your Own Kanoo (PYOK). Aviation industry figures, including union representatives and airline spokespeople, are frequently relied upon for insights into operational and passenger experience matters, which can be tracked through industry fixtures and stats.