Jeffries Warns of Potential ICE Brutality at Airports

House Minority Leader says ICE could 'brutalize' and 'kill' Americans at airports

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:39pm

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) warned on CNN's 'State of the Union' that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could potentially 'brutalize' and 'kill' Americans at airports, raising concerns about the agency's conduct.

Why it matters

Jeffries' comments reflect ongoing tensions and debates around the role and tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies, especially in sensitive public spaces like airports.

The details

During his appearance on CNN, Jeffries expressed worries that ICE could use excessive force or engage in other abusive behavior when interacting with American citizens at airports, though he did not provide specific examples or evidence to support his claims.

  • Jeffries made these remarks on March 22, 2026 during an interview on the CNN program 'State of the Union'.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic Congressman from New York and the current House Minority Leader.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws.

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What they’re saying

“ICE will potentially brutalize, will potentially kill Americans at airports.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

The takeaway

Jeffries' comments highlight ongoing concerns about the conduct and oversight of federal immigration enforcement agencies, especially in sensitive public spaces where interactions with citizens could escalate.