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Portsmouth Today
By the People, for the People
Plane with ICE Detainees Stranded at Pease Airport for Over 12 Hours
Severe weather forces plane to remain grounded during nor'easter
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A plane carrying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees landed at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease around 1 a.m. on Monday, but was forced to remain on the tarmac for over 12 hours due to a powerful nor'easter that hit the region.
Why it matters
The extended tarmac delay raised concerns about the treatment and conditions for the ICE detainees, who were unable to disembark the plane during the severe weather event. The incident also highlighted the challenges faced by airports and airlines in dealing with unexpected weather disruptions.
The details
The plane, which was operated by ICE, landed at Pease Airport in the early hours of Monday morning. However, due to the intensity of the nor'easter, which brought heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous driving conditions, the plane was unable to safely transport the detainees to their intended destination. The detainees remained on board the plane for over 12 hours until the weather conditions improved and they could be transported off the tarmac.
- The plane landed at Pease Airport around 1 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
- The detainees remained on the tarmac for over 12 hours until the weather conditions improved.
The players
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.
Portsmouth International Airport at Pease
A public airport located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that serves the Seacoast region.
What’s next
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident and review protocols for handling unexpected weather events and the treatment of detainees in such situations.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the challenges faced by airports and airlines in dealing with severe weather disruptions, as well as the need for robust policies and procedures to ensure the humane treatment of detainees during unexpected travel delays.
