ICE Widens Airport Enforcement Net for Lapsed Immigration Status

Indian nationals residing in the US on work and student visas are advised to exercise caution while flying within the country, as reports emerge of a widened ICE airport enforcement net. The agency has been cracking down on foreign nationals with lapsed immigration status or pending applications.

Citing Department of Homeland Security documents and interviews with immigration attorneys, The New York Times reported that ICE agents have taken individuals into custody at check-in counters and boarding gates across 15 US airports, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Las Vegas, and Nashville.

The enforcement activity marks a departure from earlier practice, with immigration lawyers noting a marked increase in arrests. According to CNN, the federal agency is under pressure to meet President Donald Trump's goal of around 2,000 arrests per day.