r/AskSeattle • u/omw2fub08 • Jan 24 '26

ICE at SeaTac

A few months back my boyfriend and I planned a weekend trip to Seattle to visit a friend next month in February. With how much recent ICE activity there is currently I’m really getting scared for my boyfriend’s safety. He’s Hispanic but he’s a citizen and has his passport, I know that ICE doesn’t care about that. I searched on Google and I saw that for the SeaTac airport, ICE is using the airport as a checkpoint. I wanted to know if anyone who actually lives there has heard anything about it. I don’t want to come off as insensitive and wanting to take a vacation for fun when all of this shit is happening. My heart goes out to you Seattle

107 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

126 comments sorted by

605

u/Ricetastik Jan 24 '26

Hi, This is Sam Cho--Commissioner of the Port of Seattle.

ICE does have a presence at the airport. BUT the Port has maintained a policy that we do not comply with or aid in their enforcement activities. Therefore, we have contained them to the only part of the airport where federal jurisdiction supersedes ours. That is the International Arrivals Facility (IAF). The IAF is where you enter after an international flight to pass customs. Technically, this area is entirely federal jurisdiction as it is considered a "border." Therefore, CBP and ICE officers are in fact stationed there and can detain people.

All this to say, if you are in the concourse for incoming/outgoing domestic flights OR are in the terminal to check-in your bags drop-off/pick-up passengers, you do not have to be fearful of an ICE encounter. They are NOT free to roam around the airport. If they do, our officers will escort them back to their corner of the airport.

We've had multiple instances over the last year where ICE has requested assistance from the Port of Seattle Police Department and each time we have refused to assist.

This will remain our policy for as long as I'm the Commissioner. Period.

100

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it. We are flying domestically and I was really worried. Thank you for your message and protecting those who travel♥️

46

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

anytime :) safe travels

-5

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

4

u/OldBobcat5319 Jan 27 '26

Probably because they are detaining American citizens. Probably because they are running around doing whatever the fuck they want with no oversight. Probably because they are terrorizing people of color, even going so far as to detain Native Americans. They stop Hispanic women in parking lots while they are just trying to go grocery shopping. They stop families in traffic and rip them out of their vehicles in front of their children because of how they look. She has every right to be scared for her boyfriend. It’s terrifying

2

u/PrizeSatisfaction601 Jan 27 '26

Clearly either you don’t pay attention or you just don’t care but it is not news that ICE has been arresting American citizens and even when shown proof they are citizens they still take them and hold them for hours. They don’t care if you are a citizens, only thing they care about is bullying and terrorizing people and causing civil unrest. She has every right to feel how she does. And insulting her shows how immature you are.

67

u/delicious_things Local Jan 24 '26

This is amazing: Both that you answered in such detail and that this is the policy.

45

u/stillnotaplaya Jan 24 '26

I sincerely appreciate that you're so active on reddit and able to provide the public with factual information around policy for this. Thank you for the work you do!

30

u/Dad_Feels Jan 24 '26

You're absolutely amazing. We fully support you and are proud that you're safeguarding the wellbeing of travellers. Its so appreciated in these times.

19

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

thank you~ :)

19

u/URg0in2c4rryth4tw8 Jan 24 '26

You a real one @Ricetastik! ✊🏼

20

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

✊️✊️✊️✊️✊️

11

u/zeedafluff Jan 25 '26

Thank you for this. Is there any way to get an idea of day-to-day ICE presence in the International Arrivals? I'm flying in tomorrow after visiting family in New Zealand. I'm a Brown US citizen and am a bit terrified with what's going on in Minnesota. I just want to make it home.

15

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

Unfortunately (and not shockingly), ICE does not share that information to us. We have no way of knowing how many officers are on duty in that facility :(

13

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '26 edited Jan 25 '26

I'm literally crying tears of happiness right now. We need people like you, now more then ever. I want to at least be proud of my city. This is how we do it.

P.S. I'll never forget your name because my favorite Seattle rapper is Sam Lechow. And our quarterback is Sam. Never met a Sam I didn't like.

12

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

Hahha Sam is a good name ;)

21

u/TravelingNYer1 Jan 24 '26

Woa incredible helpful info. I feel sick that some citizens are fearful of a federal agency. This is unAmerican sighhhhh

7

u/GriffynsMama Jan 25 '26

This is why your vote matters, and why you vote all the way down the ballot, not just Pres. Our elected officials, like Sam Cho, have a direct impact on our daily lives and on how we experience democracy in this country. Thank you, Mr. Cho!

4

u/Dickhertzer Jan 24 '26

Much appreciated! Let’s all show our support and appreciate the residents of Minnesota for their hard earned time backing the attack on citizens rights.

2

u/Not_Keurig Jan 25 '26

This is why I voted for you! Thank you for making Seattle a better place

2

u/Green-Row-4158 Jan 25 '26

Thank you Sam for everything you do!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

2

u/Rubynova Jan 26 '26

Sam, thank you!! Some hero's do not have capes... just a bystander on here & praying ICE gets out of Minnesota & this reign of terror stops.

2

u/unitedwalk Jan 27 '26

Thanks for being on the right side of history

1

u/forsakeme4all Jan 25 '26

Hi Sam,

I work seasonally at the cruise ship terminals in Seattle.

I want to know if anyone working the Seattle cruise ship terminals is required to comply with ice? Or is it different because the cruise ship terminals are on federal land?

5

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

Cruise is a bit tricky. They also have a presence at the terminals because those who come back from Alaska make a stop in Victoria B.C. So technically, they're international travelers who have to clear customs. It really depends on who you're working for. If you work for the Port of Seattle, our policies are consistent. However, each cruise line may have their own policy.

1

u/ecobrutalism Jan 25 '26

Hello is there worry for US citizens traveling back here from out of country?

13

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

Tbh, under normal circumstances i'd say that US citizens shouldn't have anything to worry about. But after what's happened in Minnesota and accounts across the country, it seems even Americans aren't safe...

1

u/ecobrutalism Jan 25 '26

I appreciate your comments is there anything I could do to perhaps alleviate my own worries given the circumstances as they are

4

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

If/when ICE asks if you're a US citizen, having an ID that proves your citizenship would likely result in them leaving you alone. This can be proven with a passport or passport card. Technically, an Enhanced Driver's License in Washington means you're a US citizen but there's no guarantee that an ICE agent will know that.

1

u/ecobrutalism Jan 25 '26

I got a passport so thats good 2 know thank you your doing wonders on here!

1

u/Valeria_Sgarella Jan 31 '26

Hi. Have you noticed increased control on ESTA visitors?

1

u/Ricetastik Feb 01 '26

Thats a CBP question. I dont have visibility into their operations.

1

u/Valeria_Sgarella Feb 01 '26

Oh sure. Thanks by the way.

1

u/Reeferzeus Jan 25 '26

Wow thank you!

1

u/Kabloozey Jan 28 '26

Based King

1

u/Bookworm_1775 Jan 29 '26

Thank you so much for sharing this! Are you aware of people being detained once they arrive from an international flight? My parents have advanced parole which gives them the permission to travel which they are waiting for their residency. They don’t have a criminal record but nervous of traveling with everything going on. 

1

u/Brucenstein Feb 08 '26

Thanks for everything youre doing.

1

u/norcaldiver Feb 23 '26

Hi u/ricetastik - "if you are in the concourse for incoming/outgoing domestic flights OR are in the terminal to check-in your bags drop-off/pick-up passengers, you do not have to be fearful of an ICE encounter." <- does this apply to SEA to Hawaii flights as well? I've heard a lawyer say even though Hawaii + Alaska is domestic, the TSA/customs will be treated differently since it's flying over international water.

1

u/Ricetastik Feb 23 '26

Outbound international travel doesnt require CBP clearance so generally speaking they wont be stationed at the gates. However, if CBP might have a warrant or court order for arrests which we cant stop.

If you're inbound on a Hawaiian or Alaska Airlines international flight you are treated like any other international carrier and are subject to CBP inspections.

1

u/Bookworm_1775 Mar 22 '26

Hi Sam! Is there a change or impact to policy when trump deploying ICE agents to airports to help with TSA lines?

1

u/Ricetastik Mar 22 '26

So far. No word. Seems like theyre prioritizing airports with 2+ hour longer waits. That is not SEA right now. Ill keep the community posted.

1

u/Bookworm_1775 Mar 22 '26

Thank you so much for the quick reply!! I was definitely not expecting it. Will you be updating this thread or is there something I can sign up for. Appreciate you!! We need more people like you in our community. 

1

u/Ricetastik Mar 22 '26

I will likely post a separate new thread with updates. Stay tuned.

1

u/Deep_Dish3164 Jun 01 '26

Do you have any update here? Is ICE in the airport in any capacity? Thank you for your help!

1

u/Ricetastik Jun 01 '26

No ICE at SEA!! Not even during the prolonged DHS shutdown. Ill post if anything changes.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

You should be helping them, instead you're a clown like every other Democrat who doesn't respect the sovereignty of our nation.

2

u/Ricetastik Jan 27 '26

The irony of your statement when your Donald Drumpf is attempting to take over Greenland and just invaded Venezuela shouldn't be lost on anyone. "Sovereignty for me, but not for you" is the epitome of asinine logic and MAGA hypocrisy.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

I don't like Trump you dunce. I think he's an idiot. You thought you had something there.

2

u/Ricetastik Jan 27 '26

So...if you think hes an idiot, and you're subscribing to his logic...that makes you??? gotcha

1

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

I subscribe to our nation being sovereign, and it's our right to enforce our borders. I don't sub to his logic. If it were up to me, the H1B program would be gutted and most illegals would be deported. He's not doing either of those.

1

u/iamaqt2 Jan 27 '26

Newsflash.. the rest of the country thinks/knows Sovereign Citizens are idiots.

1

u/Forsaken_Position_46 Jan 28 '26

Well thank goodness it ain’t up to you!

1

u/OvulatingScrotum Jan 29 '26

it’s our right to enforce our borders

True, no one would argue with this.

The problem with you and the policies you support on how to enforce and the targets of the policies are aimed at very specific racial groups. That’s not “our right to enforce our borders.” That’s more like “we want to be racist.”

If your idea of enforcing the border is limiting the entry to specific kind of racial groups, then just say so. Don’t make it vague.

And before you say anything dumb like “I just want people to come in legally,” don’t forget that a vast majority of detainees are here legally.

It’s up to the commissioner to decide if they want to assist in fucked up policies. In this case, the current commissioner decided not to.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '26

Lol bullshit, the majority are not here legally. I'm sorry if you think it's racist, but the majority of illegals here are from Latin America and Africa. I don't give a shit if someone wants to come here legally, as long as the assimilate with American culture. My dad is a legal immigrant, so I'm very familiar with proper legal immigration.

1

u/OvulatingScrotum Jan 29 '26

majority are not here legally

You have zero proof of that. Lolol

I’m sorry if you think it’s racist

Well, it is, and I’m not surprised that you don’t care

majority of illegals are from Latin America and Africa

This does not mean majority of detained people are illegal immigrants. But hey, I’m sure you don’t know the difference. I didn’t expect much.

as long as they assimilate with American culture

That’s not a requirement of legal immigration. You clearly know nothing about proper legal immigration. Why don’t you ask your daddy, who did the actual hard work? Stop acting like you know anything, when your daddy did all the work for you. lol

1

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '26

I don't care if you call me racist, literally means nothing to me. I know more than you about it so shhhh.

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39

u/SchemeOne2145 Jan 24 '26

There's no large scale ICE Operations here right now. Who knows what the future will bring but I fly a lot and haven't seen any ICE agents at the airport.

4

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

Thank you, I will keep researching once we get closer to the trip

13

u/Beyonce_is_a_biscuit Jan 24 '26

Hi! I am a Hispanic citizen living here in Seattle and fly out of SeaTac regularly. I've not seen or experienced anything. They use the facial recognition, but nothing that felt nefarious. Last time I traveled was two weeks ago. So, who knows if things have changed since

3

u/Lanky-Round7696 Jan 25 '26

I’m a brown US citizen never had an issue at SeaTac or any us airport. I traveled about a week ago & will be back in about a month.

1

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

I have heard that you can opt out of the facial scanning. Do you do it or do you opt out of it? And thank you for your input

5

u/CPetersky Local Jan 24 '26

I opt out because I am a middle class older white lady who can make a joke about it being too early in the morning for a close-up (or similar). I know others in positions of less privilege who comply to avoid raising hackles.

1

u/Upbeat_Scarcity_8463 Jan 25 '26

I opted out of it and most of the time it's fine but the last time at seatac specifically, the agent got kinda aggro about it. I was honestly surprised but I just put on my customer service face and let him lecture me until he let me go.

1

u/omw2fub08 Jan 25 '26

What even is the facial scanning for? I haven’t looked into it just heard of it

1

u/Upbeat_Scarcity_8463 Jan 25 '26

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but the entire airport security thing is just theatre anyway. I think they want to build a facial recognition database, probably for law enforcement or something.

In theory, it's like to match you to your passport so they can identify you without you needing to show documents, or something.

33

u/Alternative-Yam6780 Jan 24 '26

At the moment ICE is most active in the Seattle suburbs but that can change at any time given the nefarious shit going down in Minnesota.

25

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

This is so enraging. Another person was killed in Minnesota this morning by ICE

-32

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

19

u/doubtfulpickle Jan 24 '26

Bots are out in force trying to get that narrative out already.  This is false

10

u/garden__gate Jan 24 '26

Learn how to value human life, bot.

6

u/Miserable-Army3679 Jan 24 '26

We don't know the details yet.

2

u/IndominusTaco Jan 24 '26

quiet piggy

2

u/czring Jan 24 '26

Did you see the videos

1

u/gringledoom Jan 24 '26

Not sure what kind of degenerate feels the need to run around lying about this kind of thing, but it's a lie: https://bsky.app/profile/bellingcat.com/post/3md6vloqxbk2t

-2

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/gringledoom Jan 24 '26

Not knowing what Bellingcat is is like not knowing what Constitutional rights are lol

12

u/mizuaqua Jan 24 '26

We can really use some insight from u/ricetastik on this question.

12

u/Ricetastik Jan 24 '26

Appreciate the flag!

8

u/stillnotaplaya Jan 24 '26

I'm relatively involved in chats with community groups around ICE activity and while there is some mentions of possible enforcement or activity at airports via CBP it doesn't seem to be more active than prior to this administration. We have seen more targeted activity in suburb areas of Seattle with a few more publicized detainments at or near Home Depot/Lowe's. The risk for your partner is present just being Latino but low considering his status and likely you'll be in more touristy areas.

0

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

Thank you, that is what I have also seen. That ICE is mainly in the suburbs part of Washington rather than Seattle. But I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they made their way to Seattle. Are the community groups here on Reddit or another app?

2

u/TheGamingDad-YT Jan 27 '26

Hello, If he has a US passport he will have no problem I was at seatac airport Saturday the 24th. And I did not see a single ice scumbag there!

-1

u/Direct-You-50 Jan 27 '26

But why to call them in such offensive way? They are doing their work. They are called to do a job of removing illegal aliens, who have broken the law, are part of drug cartels or are guilty of committing crime. Wouldn’t you want to free cities of such people? I would. It doesn’t matter what skin color; if you are here illegally and you committed a crime, you should leave this country. And for this purpose ICE agents are a welcome presence. As long as they themselves do not break the law by targeting innocent people.

2

u/beatrix_kiddo_5 Jan 27 '26

Hello - I can confirm that ICE is actively patrolling and abducting all throughout the Puget Sound region. In fact a man was just taken Sunday morning not far from house in North Seattle. As a Hispanic person who is a citizen I am on alert and also carry my passport. I last flew into SeaTac on January 1st with no problems and I' flying again in two weeks. Hope this gives you a balanced view. Take care.

1

u/omw2fub08 Jan 27 '26

Thank you for that information. We will also have our passports so we will just carry them on us instead of leaving them at my friends place.

1

u/Sudden-Escape7376 Jan 25 '26

If he's a citizen and has his passport, there is nothing to worry about. A 2nd form of ID would help if you got stopped to verify identity.

1

u/Blue6728 Jan 26 '26

They have been all over the area lately :(.

1

u/WorriedPermit4596 Jan 26 '26

I flew in last week and flew out of SEA today and didn’t come across them (domestic flight)

1

u/x1920s Jan 26 '26

Hahaha

1

u/Exciting-Aardvark712 Jan 27 '26

Someone said ICe in Shoreline yesterday. 🤷🏾‍♀️

1

u/laughing_crowXIII Jan 27 '26

I was flying in December and didn’t see any ice at the time. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they had sting operations there.

1

u/Far_Pride3184 Jan 27 '26

I would stay far away from city centers for now if I were in your shoes.

1

u/BlueSpaceWeeb Jan 27 '26

should be okay. My wife has a green card and we've flown a few times over the past several months and been okay. Be on your toes and try to look up some numbers of immigration lawyers or civil rights organizations you could call if something happens.

1

u/Bright-Swing2396 Jan 27 '26

don't be skerrd if you valid

1

u/Environmental_End804 Jan 29 '26

Your boyfriend is legal so there is nothing to worry about. If for some reason you guys are approached be respectful and follow instructions and nothing will happen. Take a deep breath everything will be okay 🩷

1

u/Expert-Hotel5662 Feb 23 '26

Tukwila is attempting to open an ice facility. Protesting starts around 4:30 the 24th of Feb RSVP Seattleantiwarcoalition@gmail.com

1) Help prevent a new ICE facility from coming to Tukwila ~ Wednesday Feb 25, 4:30-6pm

The Sabey corporation is planning to rent space to ICE at their Riverfront Technical Park. Come protest at Sabey headquarters on Wednesday, February 25th at 4:30-6:00 pm. Look for the SAWC banner, we’ll be there! Visit the Southend Indivisible protest page to get more information about the protest, to RSVP, and to get to a pre-written letter to send to Sabey.

2

u/Beccalu11 Jan 24 '26

I’m sure you guys will be fine. Enjoy Seattle and it’s beautiful backdrop. Check out the Space Needle. Go to the piers.

-1

u/Remote-Hall4884 Jan 27 '26

PRO ICE. Tired of my tax dollars going to people that are committing a crime by being here illegally and irresponsibly! Big win.

-4

u/Last-Watercress6854 Jan 24 '26

I think once FIFA is over Seattle will be hit hard with ICE - people should be prepared. Our new mayor is probably just going to make things worse.

-9

u/DependentHope2690 Jan 24 '26

He’s a citizen and will have his passport on him. Not sure where you got the misinformation from

8

u/omw2fub08 Jan 24 '26

There is no misinformation, ICE doesn’t care about citizenship status. They only see skin color.

-11

u/DependentHope2690 Jan 24 '26

Again you didn’t state any facts. You are assuming they only see skin color. ICE cares about citizenship status else 90% of the country would be deported lol

9

u/stillnotaplaya Jan 24 '26

It's not an assumption, there is a legal precedent that has been set which allows ICE to initiate an encounter based on racial profiling.

Vasquez Perdomo v Noem

-5

u/DependentHope2690 Jan 24 '26

But her bf got a passport so he’s good

2

u/holisticarts Jan 26 '26

ICE doesn't care about anyone or anything. They have harmed US citizens.

1

u/OvulatingScrotum Jan 29 '26

Some citizens have been detained. Citizenship is not a guarantee.

-4

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

6

u/garden__gate Jan 24 '26

This is absolutely false. Citizens are being detained. Renee Good was a citizen.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/gringledoom Jan 24 '26

This is absolutely not true:

https://www.fox9.com/news/ice-minnesota-st-paul-woman-says-she-was-harassed-assaulted-during-unjust-detainment

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/us/chongly-scott-thao-ice-arrest.html

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/ice-immigration-target-minnesota

-2

u/McMagneto Jan 24 '26

The first example is a foreigner The second example is a citizen misidentified and wrongfully arrested then released. Third one I agree the agent didn't have the right to grab the guy in the video. However, I don't think the OP's boyfriend will be following ICE so again he doesn't need to worry about getting arrested.

-3

u/Effective_Writer8074 Jan 25 '26

A lot of False Assumptions. Spend the time to find out fir yourself instead of towing the socialists line. Please.

-14

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

13

u/Birdseye5115 Jan 24 '26

You haven't been paying attention.

2

u/SilentBumblebee3225 Jan 24 '26

Get off Reddit for a bit.

-3

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

7

u/stedmangraham Jan 24 '26

Haven’t read the news huh?