Immigrants in the U.S. are warned against domestic air travels due to an “emerging pattern” of increased detentions at airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California
The Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) issued a travel advisory this week, alerting immigrants, including those with pending asylum or green card applications, that they may be at risk of being detained by federal agents after receiving “several reports of arrests by immigration agents at airports nationally.”
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In addition to LAX, similar incidents were reported in Nevada, Colorado, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia
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One of the reasons for the “rare” advisory is that the recent events appear to affect people who “historically may not have been considered at heightened risk” while traveling within the United States,” including those who overstayed a visa as well as immigrants with no criminal history or no prior removal orders. People who have no pending immigration court proceedings also appeared to have been targeted, CHIRLA said
“We particularly recommend that individuals with pending green card applications or asylum applications consult with their attorney before making any domestic travel plans and, if possible, postpone nonessential domestic air travel until they have received legal advice,” the nonprofit said in a statement
The organization did not say how long the travel advisory will last or when immigrants can resume air travels
The detentions may be occurring more during layovers on domestic flights
Anyone who has questions or needs legal immigration consultation is urged to contact the national Immigrant Assistance Hotline at (888) 624-4752
