ICE Agents Save Infant at JFK Airport
On Wednesday, a dramatic incident unfolded at John F. Kennedy International Airport when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents intervened to save an infant’s life.
This particular employee was among the many deployed to airports to support the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a partial government shutdown, which affected funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a reminder, TSA operates under DHS.
A one-year-old boy had reportedly stopped breathing while in his father’s arms, which prompted panic. The father, standing in the TSA pre-screening line, struggled to help as his baby became unresponsive. Hearing the commotion, DHS personnel quickly arrived on the scene and performed the Heimlich maneuver. Thankfully, the baby resumed breathing and was eventually cleared to board a flight.
DHS detailed the sequence of events in a statement:
Staff on duty heard the father’s cries along with those of nearby passengers and rushed over to assist. The father passed the child to a police officer, who then assessed the child’s condition and applied the Heimlich maneuver. Within moments, the child began to breathe again.
The infant had been unresponsive for roughly two minutes before ICE arrived with help.
DHS also remarked on the officer’s bravery, noting, “This officer’s extraordinary courage exemplifies the selfless service of DHS law enforcement.”
Markwayne Mullin, the DHS Secretary, praised the actions taken by ICE agents, stating, “ICE officers acted swiftly, saving this child’s life. It could have ended tragically without their prompt intervention.” He emphasized the commitment of ICE officers to safeguarding the nation, in the face of ongoing criticisms from some politicians and media outlets.
Following this incident, Democrats have continued to express concerns about ICE agents’ deployment at airports during the TSA’s staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown. Although the presence of ICE has helped ease wait times and helped manage crowd control, some questioned the necessity of their role. There have been reports of ICE agents distributing water to weary travelers as well.
However, critics argue that the deployment of ICE agents is unwarranted. Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar from Texas stated there was “no reason” for the president to send ICE to assist the TSA. Similarly, Rep. Adelita Grijalva from Arizona labeled it a “horrible idea,” contending that ICE agents may lack the training to effectively manage stressful situations. She expressed concerns about public perception, remarking, “As an international traveler, I wouldn’t want to engage with a poorly trained agent.”
