Immigrant Detention: A New Face of Air Transfers Revealed

Thu Mar 26 2026 21:59:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Recent security footage uncovers how federal agents are using commercial flights to transport detained immigrants, shedding light on a less visible aspect of immigration enforcement.

An investigation into immigration practices has revealed that federal agents sometimes transport detained immigrants via commercial flights, as shown in newly released airport security videos. This method, which appears more inconspicuous to the public, was highlighted through the case of Adrian Conejo Arias and his son, who were detained and subsequently taken to Texas on a Delta Air Lines flight. Human rights advocates express concern over the lack of transparency in such operations, particularly in comparison to more visible ICE deportation flights.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Airport security footage has revealed an increasing and less noticeable method by which federal agents transport immigrants to detention centers: commercial flights. This method emerged in the high-profile case of a 5-year-old boy represented as a symbol of the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

The video, obtained through a public records request, captures Adrian Conejo Arias and his son, Liam Conejo Ramos, being escorted through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport by individuals dressed like ordinary passengers. They appeared calm, likely unnoticed by other travelers, as they boarded a Delta Air Lines flight destined for Texas just one day after their detention.

Historically, the Trump administration has relied predominantly on ICE Air Operations for deportations, often using charter flights that involve visible security measures such as shackles for detainees. The public is largely unaware of how many individuals are transported through commercial airlines, a practice that raises significant human rights concerns.

The father and son were detained on January 20 while seeking asylum from Ecuador. Although they were released upon a judge's order, an immigration judge later denied their asylum request, and the family plans to appeal. Activists have expressed alarm about the invisibility of commercial flight transfers, emphasizing the need for transparency in immigration processes.

This video, monitored by aviation enthusiast Nick Benson from the grassroots group MN 50501, has sparked discussions regarding the presence of minors in ICE's transportations. Delta Airlines has stated that most government travel bookings are managed through third-party agencies, leaving them unaware of the specific circumstances behind the flights.

ICE Air Operations encompass a mix of commercial flights and chartered planes, which are increasingly used for both deportation and domestic transfer of minors and families. While some flight-tracking websites monitor these flights, they lack the ability to provide insights on individual passengers, leading to increased opacity regarding immigration enforcement tactics.