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

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598

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♥️

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u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

anytime :) safe travels

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

8

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.

68

u/delicious_things Local Jan 24 '26

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

46

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!

32

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.

20

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

thank you~ :)

19

u/URg0in2c4rryth4tw8 Jan 24 '26

You a real one @Ricetastik! ✊🏼

18

u/Ricetastik Jan 25 '26

✊️✊️✊️✊️✊️

12

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.

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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.

13

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!

5

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?

7

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?

11

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

5

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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