Passengers Stranded on Grounded ICE Deportation Flight for Over 15 Hours

Detainees were provided food and medical care during lengthy tarmac delay in Boston

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A flight operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was grounded at Boston's Logan International Airport for over 15 hours on Monday due to strong winds, leaving the detainees on board stranded on the tarmac. The passengers were eventually taken off the plane and into the terminal, where they were provided catered meals, water, and access to medical care until the flight could depart the following morning.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the challenging and often inhumane conditions faced by detainees during ICE deportation flights, which have faced scrutiny over allegations of poor treatment and lack of basic amenities. The extended tarmac delay also raises questions about ICE's preparedness for unexpected travel disruptions and its ability to ensure the well-being of those in its custody.

The details

According to reports, the ICE flight was scheduled to depart Boston on Monday afternoon but was unable to take off due to strong winds. The detainees remained on board the grounded plane for over 15 hours, until they were finally taken off and into the closed-off terminal around 2:45 p.m. During this time, the detainees were provided catered meals, continuous access to drinking water, and access to restroom facilities. Medical personnel were also on hand to provide any necessary care.

  • The flight was scheduled to depart Boston on Monday afternoon.
  • The plane was grounded on the tarmac for over 15 hours due to strong winds.
  • The detainees were taken off the plane and into the terminal around 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
  • The passengers were held in the terminal until 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning, when the flight finally took off again.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for the deportation flight.

Boston's Logan International Airport

The airport where the ICE flight was grounded due to strong winds.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees ICE and provided information about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“'Detainees are being provided catered meals, continuous access to drinking water, and appropriate restroom facilities for the duration of the delay. All required prescription medications are being supplied at no cost, and medical personnel are available to provide proper medical care. ICE personnel are conducting regular welfare checks to ensure everyone's well-being, comfort, and dignity while awaiting departure.'”

— DHS spokesperson (Boston Globe)

What’s next

The passengers' long journey is still not over, as the flight took off again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning to head to its final destination, which has not been made public.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees during ICE deportation flights, which have faced allegations of poor conditions and lack of basic amenities. It also raises questions about ICE's preparedness for unexpected travel disruptions and its ability to ensure the well-being of those in its custody.