Flight Attendant Union Advises Members on

The Association of Flight Attendants has issued guidance to its members on handling questions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents about

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) has advised its tens of thousands of members that they do not have to answer questions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents about coworkers or passengers. The union, which represents crew at United, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian, and Frontier, issued the guidance as ICE steps up enforcement at airports across the country.

According to the source report from Paddle Your Own Kanoo, the union warned that this is a rapidly evolving area of law. General guidance could quickly become outdated.

Union Guidance on Rights

The advice states that at U.S. domestic airports, federal agents generally need a warrant or consent to enter or search a non-public area like a jetbridge or aircraft. The guidance is clear on crew members' rights when questioned.

You do not have to answer questions about passengers or coworkers. If questioned, you still have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions or direct law enforcement to particular individuals.

The union's advice also includes several key points. Flight attendants cannot be required to assist in an arrest or detainment in any way. Crew members have the right to film law enforcement outside of so-called 'sterile areas' of the airport or the cockpit.

The guidance instructs members to never answer questions about coworkers or passengers. If asked about legal status or any other information, always refuse.

Recent Airport Incidents

In recent weeks, the airline industry has grown increasingly concerned about ICE enforcement activity at airports. A specific incident last month involved a Southwest Airlines flight attendant.

Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican-born Southwest crew member, was detained by ICE agents at Nashville International Airport. Agents learned he was due to arrive back at his home crew base after working a trip. Thompson was marched away while still wearing his uniform. He remains in ICE custody as federal authorities attempt to have him removed from the United States for overstaying his visa.

Southwest Airlines has also faced allegations. The airline has been accused of being 'complicit' in the detention of a passenger by ICE agents at Denver International Airport. A spokesperson for Southwest addressed those allegations.

The spokesperson said Southwest complies with applicable state and federal law when asked to share information about customers. The airline has provided guidance to employees to help ensure appropriate legal documentation is presented by law enforcement agencies prior to interactions in the gate areas.

The union's guidance represents a direct response to these growing concerns within the aviation workforce.

Source: Paddle Your Own Kanoo