Immigrant advocates urge Tweed-New Haven Airport to ensure ICE agents undergo proper background checks

Rev. Scott Marks, director of the New Haven Immigrant Coalition and pastor of New Growth Praise Center Church of God in Christ, stood outside Tweed-New Haven Airport on October 21, 2026, with advocates calling for transparency and accountability. “We are here to say clearly: no agency is above the rule of law,” Marks said, “and no agent walks through these doors without accountability.” He emphasized that a public transportation hub should connect families and welcome travelers, not serve as a site of fear or unlawful detention.

The New Haven Immigrant Coalition is seeking records through a Freedom of Information Act request, submitted by the Worker & Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School. The request aims to uncover whether ICE officers granted unrestricted access to the airport since January 1, 2025, have undergone adequate employment investigations, including criminal records checks. It also seeks ICE arrest records, personnel identification records, and training protocols for ICE agents regarding state law that prohibits civil immigration arrests without a judicial warrant at Tweed.

The coalition is also asking for maps or floorplans that show areas of the airport where ICE personnel have been granted access. They want to ensure that all agents entering the facility have been properly vetted and that their activities comply with local laws. “We want to know if they’re pulling another ICE agent along with them, even if that person doesn’t have clearance,” said a coalition representative. “We want to know if they’ve actually done the background check, because it’s not clear.”

The request was submitted ahead of the Airport Authority board meeting, accompanied by a letter to the board’s leadership. Advocates argue that the airport, as a public space, should uphold the dignity of all individuals and not be used for unauthorized surveillance or unlawful detention. They are urging the authority to act as a good neighbor and ensure that its operations align with the principles of justice and accountability.

The situation reflects broader concerns about immigration enforcement and the role of public institutions in safeguarding the rights of all community members. As the coalition continues its efforts, the focus remains on transparency, legal compliance, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The call for accountability echoes Micah 6:8, which reminds us to act with justice, mercy, and humility.

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