ICE Protester's Global Entry Revoked After Facial Recognition Incident

Minnesota woman says her airport privileges were taken away just days after observing immigration agents.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Nicole Cleland, a 56-year-old Minnesota resident and Target employee, says her Global Entry and TSA Precheck privileges were revoked just three days after an incident where she observed and followed what she believed were federal immigration agents in her neighborhood. Cleland, who volunteers with a group that tracks potential ICE and CBP activity, says an agent told her he used facial recognition technology to identify her and warned her not to impede their work.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement, especially against individuals who are monitoring or protesting their activities. It also highlights the potential consequences for ordinary citizens who attempt to observe and document the actions of federal immigration agents in their communities.

The details

According to Cleland's court declaration, on January 10 she observed a white Dodge Ram being driven by what she believed were federal agents. She followed the vehicle for a short distance out of concern that a local apartment building was being raided. The Dodge Ram then stopped, blocking Cleland's path, and an agent exited the vehicle, addressed Cleland by name, and informed her that they had used 'facial recognition' and that his body cam was recording. The agent warned Cleland that she was impeding their work and that she would be arrested if she did so again.

  • On January 10, Cleland observed and followed a vehicle she believed was driven by federal immigration agents.
  • Three days later, on January 13, Cleland's Global Entry and TSA Precheck privileges were revoked.

The players

Nicole Cleland

A 56-year-old resident of Richfield, Minnesota and a director at Target Corporation. Cleland volunteers with a group that tracks potential ICE and CBP activity in her neighborhood.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing federal laws related to immigration.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including immigration.

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What they’re saying

“An agent exited the vehicle and approached my vehicle. I remained in my vehicle. The agent addressed me by my name and informed me that they had 'facial recognition' and that his body cam was recording. The agent stated that I was impeding their work. He indicated he was giving me a verbal warning and if I was found to be impeding again, I would be arrested.”

— Nicole Cleland

What’s next

Cleland has filed a lawsuit challenging the revocation of her Global Entry and TSA Precheck privileges, arguing that the government's actions violated her constitutional rights.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns around the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement, especially against individuals who are monitoring or protesting their activities. It also raises questions about the potential consequences for citizens who attempt to observe and document the actions of federal immigration agents in their communities.