A flier with a distinct Brooklyn accent is gaining traction online. The claim? That ICE agents stationed at the airport are only there to assist and “they’re not bothering anyone.”
Chris Scali, a resident of Brooklyn, shared his thoughts with News 12, which caught the attention of many after he countered criticism directed at federal agents visible at Newark Liberty International Airport this week.
“Oh, they’re right there,” he gestured towards ICE agents amidst a bustling travel hub.
“Okay, they’re fine. They’re here to help. They’re not bothering anyone. As long as they check my luggage and get me on the plane, I’ll be fine,” he expressed, adding a personal touch.
“Honestly? I want to go to the Bahamas. I need a getaway,” he mentioned lightheartedly.
Others in the lengthy lines at local airports appeared to share similar views.
This support arises amid Democratic criticism of ICE’s presence at airports, which is intended to alleviate some burden on TSA agents who are currently working without pay during a partial government shutdown.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani tweeted, “ICE has no place in our airports,” while Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner expressed concerns that ICE has disturbed and frightened passengers.
Major airports have been experiencing unusually long security lines, as a significant number of TSA employees have either retired or fallen ill.
Scali’s comments also captured the attention of the Trump administration, with the Rapid Response Account on social media promoting his statements.
Congress is currently at a standstill regarding full funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which manages the TSA, as Senate Democrats are pushing for reforms in immigration enforcement.
Other travelers in the tri-state area also seemed unbothered by the presence of ICE at the airport.
“Honestly, I was a bit surprised to see them,” said Mary Borgen, 25, while preparing to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Tampa to visit her sister.
She added, “But they’re not bothering anyone. I don’t mind their presence since they’re here to help and move this line along,” echoed a manager from a Manhattan restaurant.
“I think everyone has a right to be here. But, they’re just here to assist, and that’s beneficial for me.”
