Several immigration advocacy organizations are warning people with pending immigration statuses to exercise caution when flying domestically in the United States.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and Puente Arizona put out statements that said they have seen an uptick in immigration-related detentions of asylum-seekers, visa-overstayers, and green card applicants at U.S. airports during domestic travel, according to the organizations' written statements.
The AILA and CHIRLA statements said the organizations have seen increased immigration enforcement in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.
None of the statements mentioned Phoenix Sky
Harbor International Airport or any other airports in Arizona.
It's unclear if ICE is expanding immigration enforcement at Sky Harbor. Some immigration lawyers in Arizona said they had not heard of it happening, while others said they believe it is happening.
The Arizona Republic reached out to the ICE office in Phoenix, but the ICE spokesperson declined to comment.
Puente Arizona, an immigration advocacy organization, advised people with ongoing immigration processes, such as pending asylum cases and green card applications, to "carefully consider the risks before flying" and postpone their trip if it is not necessary, according to its July 15 statement issued via Instagram.
Those at risk from the increased immigration enforcement include people whose lawful status expired but they filed an adjustment of status or asylum application which would allow them to legally stay in the United States for a certain period of time, according to the AILA statement.
AILA received reports of individuals with valid work authorization, advance parole documents and no criminal records being detained at airports, according to the organization's July 27 statement.
CHIRLA received reports of people who overstayed their visas or failed to comply with the terms of their visas getting detained, according to the organization's July 31 statement.
Even if people had no prior removal orders or pending immigration court proceedings, they were detained, according to the CHIRLA statement.
Detentions happened during layovers on domestic flights, according to CHIRLA's statement.
CHIRLA and Puente advised people with green card applications, asylum applications and other pending immigration cases to consult with their attorney before making domestic travel plans.
The Puente and CHIRLA statements both contained the phrase "Travel Advisory." Formal travel advisories are reports issued by the U.S. Department of State that describe the risks and recommendations for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, according to the State Department website.
Have any news tips or story ideas about immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona? Reach the reporter at david.ulloa@usatodayco.com. Follow him on Instagram & X, formerly Twitter, @davidulloa_ii.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Advocacy groups warn of ICE surge at airports. Is ICE at Sky Harbor?
