A recent Senate report titled “Flight Risk” has revealed that the Biden administration allegedly pressured US airports to house migrants despite concerns over safety and security. The report, released by the Senate Commerce Committee, accuses the White House of directing various transportation agencies to find airport facilities to shelter or process migrants.
The report details how the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were instructed to identify available facilities at federally owned and local airports to support migrant arrivals. Internal emails cited in the report show staff expressing concern over the directives from the administration.
According to the report, at least 11 airports, including Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, and New York’s JFK, were asked or pressured to house migrants inside terminals, hangars, or auxiliary buildings. Despite concerns raised by airport officials, migrants were accommodated in these facilities, leading to unintended safety and security consequences.
Specific incidents at airports like Boston Logan and Chicago O’Hare highlighted the challenges faced when hosting migrants. Logan reportedly hosted up to 352 migrants overnight, while O’Hare sheltered as many as 900 migrants in a shuttle terminal. These arrangements resulted in police calls, arrests, and security breaches.
The report also mentions a security breach at JFK Airport in 2024, where an individual from Ecuador managed to breach security and enter a secure area with prohibited items. These incidents underscore the risks associated with housing migrants in airport facilities.
In addition to airports, the report highlights how other transportation agencies were directed to assist in migrant-support operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was tasked with producing a “Know Your Rights” pamphlet for bus passengers, while the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was encouraged to use federal grants to move migrants.
The report concludes that these directives represented a dangerous diversion of federal transportation resources and compromised the safety and security of travelers. Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, criticized the Biden administration for putting American citizens at risk with their open border policies.
Overall, the report sheds light on the challenges and risks associated with housing migrants at US airports and calls for a reassessment of current practices to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved.
