Detained Immigrants' Flight Delayed 12 Hours at Portsmouth Airport Due to Storm

Incident highlights logistical challenges and ethical concerns surrounding ICE deportation flights

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent incident at Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire has brought renewed attention to the logistical challenges and ethical concerns surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations. An Omni Air International flight chartered by ICE was stranded for over 12 hours due to a blizzard, leaving immigration detainees on the tarmac and raising questions about the treatment of detainees during transport.

Why it matters

The Portsmouth incident underscores the reliance on private charter airlines to execute government deportation policies, as well as the lack of transparency surrounding these operations. It also highlights the potential for severe disruptions due to extreme weather events, which are likely to increase with climate change, and the broader ethical concerns about prioritizing deportation over the safety and humane treatment of individuals.

The details

The Omni Air International flight, originating from Harlingen, Texas, landed at Portsmouth International Airport at 1 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026. Severe winter weather quickly grounded the flight, leaving those onboard - immigration detainees - stranded on the tarmac. Port City Air, the on-the-ground operator, eventually assisted in bringing the detainees into the terminal, providing meals and access to restrooms. The flight ultimately departed for Sofia, Bulgaria, early Tuesday morning.

  • The Omni Air International flight landed at Portsmouth International Airport at 1 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The flight departed for Sofia, Bulgaria, early Tuesday morning.

The players

Omni Air International

An airline frequently used by ICE to carry out deportation flights, often making refueling stops in cities like Portsmouth and Sofia.

Port City Air

The on-the-ground operator at Portsmouth International Airport that assisted in bringing the detainees into the terminal and providing them with meals and access to restrooms.

No ICE New Hampshire

An activist group that documented the event and has criticized ICE's handling of the situation, labeling it an example of 'cruel operational indifference.'

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The agency responsible for the decision to land the flight at Portsmouth International Airport during the blizzard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.