Controversy surrounds possible ICE deployment to Bay Area airports: ‘Completely wrong’

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — It’s unclear if and how the Bay Area’s airports could be impacted by the deployment of ICE agents to the nation’s airports to assist to TSA workers, although it appears SFO may be spared.

“Are they going to be in ICE uniforms? Are they going to be armed?,” said AFGE Local 1260 Assistant Chief, Joseph Cerletti.

Joseph Cerletti has questions. He’s the union rep for dozens of TSA workers at Oakland International Airport, who have not been paid in weeks, due to the partial government shutdown.

MORE: Trump threatens to put ICE agents in airports starting Monday amid DHS shutdown

Cerletti has heard that ICE agents could be sent to OAK and other busy airports across the nation as soon as Monday, to assist TSA officers amid staffing shortages.

“It’s no secret the Bay Area has been hotspot for immigration enforcement, it would not surprise me if ICE popped up at Oakland, San Jose,” Cerletti said

MORE: Record number of TSA officers called out Saturday as DHS shutdown continues

So far, those airports say they haven’t received any notice from the Federal Government or DHS.

SFO contracts its security with a private firm and is not impacted by the TSA funding fight.

“You can’t just throw an ICE officer on an x-ray machine and expect them to prevent a terror attack,” Cerletti added.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan told CNN, agents will likely assist with security entrances and exits where lines have been long in recent weeks.

“Yes, I’m currently working on a plan of execution, working with ICE and TSA, we’ll put a plan together and execute tomorrow,” Homan said.

MORE: Transportation Secretary Duffy says ICE agents are trained and can assist TSA at airports

“I think it’s a good idea, because they need help,” said Mary Dean.

Mary Dean is flying home to Phoenix, she favors ICE on duty at airports.

“They’re already a secured group working for the federal government, get them here and get people moving,” Dean said.

MORE: TSA workers working without pay; Bay Area food bank offers donations for Oakland Airport employees

Others believe ICE at local airports, sends the wrong message.

“I don’t think it’s ICE’s job to be at the airport, TSA is for that, they need to get paid,” said Danny Cohen.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi weighing in.

“It’s completely wrong, ICE agents are not trained for the job they have they’re inadequate for that and they move on to another job, and inadequately trained to be at the airport,” Pelosi said.