The Port of Seattle Commission is deeply troubled by reports that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is providing passenger lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement at airports nationwide.
The Port Commission, which oversees Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of all visitors, particularly our immigrant communities, as emphasized in our recently updated Welcoming Port Policy.
The SEA gateway connects Washingtonians to their travel destinations, welcomes visitors to the region, connects families, fosters economic opportunity, and powers international commerce. And it is often the first stop for many upon arriving in the United States.
The Commission is committed to providing a safe, welcoming space for all travelers, regardless of immigration status.
Yet, we remain concerned that the continued crackdown and expansion of such immigration enforcement activities will continue to:
- Create fear among Washingtonians, immigrant communities, and international visitors
- Undermine public trust in airport security operations
- Compromise TSA's core mission of transportation security
SEA connects our community to the world. The success of air travel depends on passenger confidence that their rights will be upheld and that all passengers will receive consistent treatment. Airports must remain a place where everyone feels safe to travel.
The Port Commission calls upon our federal agencies for greater transparency regarding data-sharing practices that affect all travelers at SEA. We will continue to engage with our congressional delegation, federal partners, local organizations, and the larger community to ensure our facilities continue to reflect the values of inclusivity and dignity that define the Puget Sound region.
Contact
Katherine Fountain | Senior Media Officer
(206) 787-3071 | [email protected]
