Key Takeaways
• Two green card holders detained up to five days at SEA Airport, exceeding CBP’s 72-hour rule.
• Families and local officials were not notified promptly about detentions, causing community distress.
• Port of Seattle demands transparency, regular communication, and strict adherence to detention standards.
On May 23, 2025, the Port of Seattle Commission took a strong public stand, demanding transparency and fair treatment for people detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA Airport). This action comes after reports that at least two lawful permanent residents—commonly known as green card holders—were held in CBP custody at SEA Airport for up to five days. Families and local officials were not told about these detentions in a timely manner, raising serious concerns about due process, community trust, and the rights of immigrants traveling through one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸.
Who is involved? The Port of Seattle Commission, led by President Toshiko Grace Hasegawa, is at the center of this issue. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement at ports of entry, holds exclusive authority over detentions at SEA Airport. State officials, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, have also voiced concern. The main people affected are the detainees—lawful permanent residents—and their families, along with the broader immigrant community in the region.
What happened? At least two green card holders were detained at SEA Airport for up to five days, far longer than the 72-hour maximum set by CBP’s own rules. Families and local officials were not notified promptly, leaving loved ones in the dark and unable to help or even know where the detainees were being held.
When and where did this occur? The detentions took place at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as SEA Airport, in May 2025. The Port of Seattle Commission issued its joint statement on May 23, 2025, after learning about the prolonged detentions earlier that week.
Why is this important? The lack of timely notification and the extended detention periods go against CBP’s stated standards and have caused distress for families and the community. The Port of Seattle Commission is demanding answers and changes to ensure that people are treated fairly and that families are not left in the dark.
How is the Port of Seattle responding? The Commission has secured a meeting with CBP’s local field office leadership. They are pushing for clear detention standards, better communication protocols, and more transparency in how detentions are handled at SEA Airport.
Detentions at SEA Airport: What Went Wrong?
Extended Detention Beyond Federal Standards
CBP’s National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS) clearly state: “Detainees should generally not be held for longer than 72 hours in CBP hold rooms or holding facilities. Every effort must be made to hold detainees for the least amount of time required for their processing, transfer, release, or repatriation as appropriate and as operationally feasible.” Despite this, at least two lawful permanent residents were held for up to five days at SEA Airport, according to statements from the Port of Seattle Commission.
This is not just a minor technical issue. Holding someone for longer than the allowed time can have serious effects on their mental and physical health, disrupt families, and create fear in the community. It also raises questions about whether the government is following its own rules.
Lack of Notification to Families and Officials
One of the most troubling aspects of these cases is that families and local officials were not told when the detentions happened. In one case, a detainee’s name did not even appear in the detention system until several days after they were taken into custody. This left families worried and unable to get information or provide legal help.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs called the lack of notification “unsettling and unfortunate,” especially since some of the detentions happened during a major public event at the airport. The Port of Seattle Commission’s President, Toshiko Grace Hasegawa, also criticized the lack of transparency and stressed the need for accountability.
Who Has Authority at SEA Airport?
Federal Jurisdiction
Immigration enforcement and detentions at SEA Airport are under the exclusive control of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Port of Seattle and its police force are not told when detentions occur and have no power to step in or help. This means that even local officials who run the airport cannot get information about who is being held or why.
No Recent Policy Change—But Calls for Better Practice
There has been no recent change in federal detention policy. However, the Port of Seattle is pressing for CBP to stick to its own standards and to be more open about what is happening. The Commission wants regular briefings, clear communication protocols, and a commitment to following the 72-hour detention rule.
The Human Impact: Families and Community in Distress
Emotional Toll on Families
When someone is detained and their family is not told, it causes deep worry and fear. Families do not know if their loved one is safe, if they need medical help, or if they have access to a lawyer. This is especially hard for immigrants, who may already feel vulnerable or unsure about their rights.
Community advocates have described CBP custody as a “black box,” meaning it is very hard to know what is happening inside. People held in CBP custody often cannot reach a lawyer or their family, making it even harder to protect their rights.
Broader Community Concerns
The lack of transparency does not just affect the families of those detained. It also makes the wider immigrant community feel unsafe. People may worry that they, too, could be detained without warning or explanation. This can lead to fear of traveling, even for those with legal status, and can damage trust between the community and government agencies.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a CBP Detention at SEA Airport?
- Arrival and Inspection: When someone arrives at SEA Airport, CBP officers may decide to detain them for secondary inspection or further investigation. This can happen for many reasons, such as questions about travel history, paperwork, or other concerns.
- Detention: The person is held in a CBP holding area. According to CBP’s TEDS standards, this should not last more than 72 hours.
- Notification: Currently, there is no requirement for CBP to notify local authorities, the Port of Seattle, or families when a detention occurs.
- Possible Transfer: If the detention lasts longer, the person may be moved to another facility, such as the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. Sometimes, this transfer happens without timely updates in public records or notification to families.
- Release or Further Action: After processing, the person may be released, deported, or held for further legal proceedings.
- Port Response: The Port of Seattle is now pushing for regular updates, better communication, and strict following of federal standards from CBP.
Stakeholder Perspectives: What Does Each Group Want?
| Stakeholder | Position/Concern |
|---|---|
| Port of Seattle Commission | Demands transparency, fair treatment, and regular communication from CBP |
| CBP | Holds exclusive jurisdiction; no public comment on recent detentions |
| Detainees/Families | Report distress, lack of notification, and difficulty accessing legal counsel |
| State Officials | Express concern over lack of notification and impact on public trust |
| Community Advocates | Call for greater oversight, transparency, and due process protections |
Background: SEA Airport’s Role in Immigration
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has long been a gateway for immigrants and refugees coming to the United States 🇺🇸. The Port of Seattle has a history of supporting welcoming and inclusive policies. However, the recent detentions have brought national debates about immigration enforcement and due process to the local level.
The Port has previously called for more transparency and accountability in how federal immigration enforcement is carried out at the airport. These latest incidents have made those calls even more urgent.
Policy Implications: Why This Matters for Everyone
Transparency and Due Process
When people are detained without timely notification to their families or local officials, it undermines public trust. It also raises serious questions about due process—the basic right to fair treatment under the law. If people do not know where their loved ones are, or if they cannot get legal help, their rights may be at risk.
Community Trust and Safety
The lack of communication has caused distress not just for the families involved, but for the broader immigrant community. People may feel that they cannot rely on the system to treat them fairly or to keep them informed. This can lead to fear and mistrust, making it harder for government agencies to serve the community.
Operational Gaps
The Port of Seattle has no authority or access to information about who is being held by CBP at SEA Airport. This limits its ability to advocate for people or to make sure that federal standards are being followed.
Federal-State Tension
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local values of transparency and community accountability. Local officials want to make sure that people are treated with dignity and that families are not left in the dark, but they have little power to influence federal agencies like CBP.
What Happens Next? The Path Forward
Upcoming Meeting with CBP
The Port of Seattle has secured a meeting with CBP’s local field office leadership. At this meeting, the Port will demand answers about detention standards, communication protocols, and transparency measures. They want to make sure that CBP is following its own rules and that families and local officials are kept informed.
Ongoing Advocacy
The Port of Seattle Commission will continue to push for regular briefings, clear communication protocols, and strict adherence to federal standards. They are also calling for more accountability and oversight of how detentions are handled at SEA Airport.
Possible Reforms
If CBP agrees to new notification or communication protocols, this could set an example for other airports and ports of entry across the United States 🇺🇸. Improved transparency and communication could help restore trust and make sure that people are treated fairly.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Families
If you or a loved one is traveling through SEA Airport and is concerned about possible detention by CBP, here are some steps you can take:
- Know Your Rights: Lawful permanent residents and other travelers have the right to ask why they are being detained and to request legal counsel.
- Stay Informed: Families should keep copies of important documents and contact information for legal help, such as the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (nwirp.org).
- Contact Authorities: If you believe someone has been detained at SEA Airport and you cannot get information, you can reach out to the Port of Seattle Commission or the CBP Seattle Field Office. Official contact information is available on the CBP Seattle Field Office website.
- Seek Legal Help: If someone is transferred to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, more information can be found at ice.gov/detention-facility/tacoma-northwest-detention-center.
Official Resources
- Port of Seattle Commission: portseattle.org/about/commission
- CBP Seattle Field Office: cbp.gov/contact/ports/seattle
- Northwest Detention Center (Tacoma): ice.gov/detention-facility/tacoma-northwest-detention-center
- Community Legal Resources: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Analysis and Broader Significance
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the recent detentions at SEA Airport have brought national attention to the need for greater transparency and accountability in federal immigration enforcement. The Port of Seattle’s strong response shows that local officials are willing to stand up for the rights of immigrants and their families, even when they have limited power to influence federal agencies.
This issue is not just about one airport or a few cases. It reflects broader questions about how the United States 🇺🇸 balances security, due process, and the rights of immigrants. The outcome of the Port of Seattle’s talks with CBP could have ripple effects across the country, shaping how other airports and communities handle similar situations.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Transparency is key: Families and local officials must be kept informed when someone is detained at SEA Airport.
- Federal standards must be followed: CBP should stick to its own 72-hour rule for detentions and provide clear reasons for any exceptions.
- Community trust matters: Open communication and fair treatment help build trust between government agencies and the people they serve.
- Advocacy continues: The Port of Seattle will keep pushing for better communication, regular briefings, and accountability from CBP.
For more information on CBP’s standards and detention procedures, visit the official CBP website.
The situation at SEA Airport is a reminder that immigration policies and practices have real effects on people’s lives. By demanding transparency and fair treatment, the Port of Seattle is working to make sure that everyone who passes through SEA Airport is treated with dignity and respect.
Learn Today
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and responsible for detentions at U.S. ports of entry.
Lawful Permanent Resident → An immigrant authorized to live and work permanently in the United States, often holding a green card.
SEA Airport → Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a major transportation hub and port of entry in Washington state.
TEDS (Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search) → CBP’s national standards that limit detention time and govern detainee treatment.
Detention → The temporary custody of individuals by authorities pending processing, transfer, or release.
This Article in a Nutshell
At Seattle-Tacoma Airport, CBP held two green card holders for five days without notifying families. The Port of Seattle demands transparency and adherence to the 72-hour detention rule to protect immigrant rights and rebuild community trust at this vital port of entry.
— By VisaVerge.com
