ICE Agent Saves Life of Unresponsive Child at Airport

Quick action by federal officer revives one-year-old in TSA line

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:00pm

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An ICE agent working at security operations at New York's JFK Airport jumped into action to save the life of a one-year-old child who became unresponsive in his father's arms while waiting in a TSA Precheck line. The agent performed the Heimlich maneuver, reviving the child after about two minutes of not breathing.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the important role that federal agents can play in providing emergency medical assistance, even in non-law enforcement contexts. It also underscores the potential risks and need for vigilance around young children's health and safety in crowded public settings like airports.

The details

Surveillance footage shows the father holding his one-year-old son, who suddenly became limp and unresponsive. The father began frantically calling for help, and the nearby ICE agent sprinted over, took the child, and quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver. After a few seconds, the child began breathing again. EMS personnel arrived and determined the child was healthy enough to continue the flight.

  • The incident occurred on March 25, 2026 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The players

ICE Agent

A federal immigration enforcement officer who was assisting with security operations at the airport when the medical emergency occurred.

One-year-old Child

The young child who became unresponsive while in the TSA Precheck line with his father.

Child's Father

The parent who was holding the child when he became unresponsive and called for help.

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What they’re saying

“ICE officers and agents are heroes. On March 25, an ICE agent helping to support Transportation operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York jumped into action to help save the life of a one-year-old child experiencing a medical emergency.”

— Department of Homeland Security

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of having vigilant and well-trained personnel, like federal agents, present in crowded public settings to provide emergency medical assistance when needed. Their quick action can make the difference between life and death.