In a stark shift, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have invaded US airports over the last 24 hours. Videos from major hubs like Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson and San Francisco International show plainclothes officers detaining individuals as crowds watch in horror.

At San Francisco, an eyewitness described hearing a “horrible” scream, prompting her to film the ensuing chaos. She said the ICE agents never identified themselves fully, leaving onlookers and eventually the police confused about their roles. The San Francisco Police did not assist, maintaining public safety instead of clarifying the situation.

President Trump hailed the move as a ‘strong step’ in a Truth Social post, though it contradicts previous statements. ICE's presence is ostensibly to aid with security gaps caused by the government shutdown, where TSA agents have gone unpaid or quit en masse. Yet, critics argue that ICE lacks relevant training for air travel security.

A witness at San Francisco International said: “It was absolutely horrifying to witness and I felt sick to my stomach.” The deployment has sparked widespread concern among airport workers and passengers alike, questioning the role of law enforcement in everyday security measures.

As this stands, ICE’s expanded presence questions how much is too much in terms of government oversight. With airports becoming de facto checkpoints for immigration enforcement, the line between routine travel and surveillance blurs ever so slightly but unmistakably.