This week, Councilors Culpepper, Mejia, and Worrell introduced a resolution urging that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) not be deployed to staff vacant TSA positions at Boston Logan International Airport.

The resolution comes amid a partial federal government shutdown, during which TSA employees are working without pay, leading to staffing strains. More than 30 TSA workers across New England have left their positions since the shutdown began. While other regions have experienced severe security line delays, airport officials report that New England airports, including Logan, remain sufficiently staffed.

Councilors expressed concern that deploying ICE officers to TSA checkpoints could blur the lines between immigration enforcement and civilian transportation security. As an international gateway, Logan Airport often serves as a first point of entry for immigrants, refugees, and visitors to Massachusetts. The resolution notes that the visible presence of ICE agents in security roles could create fear, confusion, and distrust among travelers, particularly immigrant communities and communities of color.

The Council called on federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure that airport security functions remain the responsibility of trained TSA personnel, in a way that aligns with values of transparency, safety, and respect for all travelers. The resolution was adopted with a 12-1 vote.