ICE Deployment at BWI Airport to Support TSA Security Operations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are being deployed to Baltimore's airport, as confirmed by the Maryland Aviation Administration. The additional Department of Homeland Security personnel, including Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will start their deployment at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Saturday afternoon. ICE will be assisting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with security checkpoints at the airport, similar to their recent roles at other airports across the country.
The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) stated that ICE personnel will support TSA security operations to expedite the passenger clearance process, while TSA will continue to handle primary aviation security functions such as passenger and baggage screening. ICE's focus during their deployment at BWI-Marshall will be on security operations rather than immigration enforcement, according to information provided by TSA.
Shannetta Griffin, the executive director and CEO of the airport, expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in ensuring safe and efficient travel. She specifically thanked TSA agents, BWI personnel, concessions employees, and other workers for their dedication in maintaining operational efficiency at BWI during this challenging period.
In conclusion, ICE personnel are being deployed to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to support TSA security operations and expedite passenger clearance processes. The focus of ICE's deployment is on security operations, with an emphasis on ensuring safe and efficient travel for passengers at the airport.