Story perspectives

ICE detains travelers at U.S. airports, sparks Southwest boycott

7/29/2026

Summary

ICE Detains Travelers

ICE detained over a dozen noncitizens at domestic airports, including a woman traveling for her father’s funeral and travelers with expired visas in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville and Denver.
Bay Area rapid-response networks logged ten arrests at San Francisco International (six) and San José Mineta (four) airports since July 1.
AILA members report similar detentions in at least ten states and warn that people with expired status but pending applications are being stopped.

Summary

DHS Expands Crackdown

DHS says the expanded TSA-ICE data-sharing program, in at least 15 airports, aims to stop anyone illegally in the United States from leaving except to self-deport.
The crackdown targets foreign nationals with expired visas, widening the pool beyond those with active deportation orders.
Lawyers for over 25 detainees from several countries say many were awaiting visa extensions or green-card approvals and held work permits, with social-media videos showing the arrests.

Summary

Travelers Cancel Flights

Alicia Dantzker’s GoFundMe campaign has raised over $100,000 for Chantal Rojas’s legal fees.
Travelers announced they will cancel future Southwest Airlines flights and launch a boycott after a viral detention video.
Supporters raised funds for flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson’s legal defense after his Nashville arrest.
Southwest Airlines reiterated compliance with state and federal law while facing heightened public criticism.

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ICE Detains Travelers

ICE detained over a dozen noncitizens at domestic airports, including a woman traveling for her father’s funeral and travelers with expired visas in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville and Denver.
Bay Area rapid-response networks logged ten arrests at San Francisco International (six) and San José Mineta (four) airports since July 1.
AILA members report similar detentions in at least ten states and warn that people with expired status but pending applications are being stopped.

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