Federal Air Marshals, long known for protecting commercial flights, have been reassigned in 2025 to work on ICE deportation flights across the United States 🇺🇸. This change, which began earlier this year, has sparked debate among security experts, advocacy groups, and the Air Marshals themselves, who say their new duties—like serving sandwiches and checking detainees for lice—stray far from their original mission.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made this shift as part of a larger push to increase immigration enforcement. In June 2025 alone, ICE Air Operations (IAO) conducted 209 removal flights, the highest monthly total since 2020. These flights carry people who are being deported from the United States 🇺🇸 to their home countries or moved between detention centers. To help with the growing number of flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has provided 100 Federal Air Marshals to ICE, most of whom volunteered for the assignment.
Why Are Air Marshals on ICE Deportation Flights?
ICE Air Operations is responsible for moving people who have been ordered to leave the United States 🇺🇸. These flights can be domestic or international, and sometimes involve people who may pose a security risk. The Department of Homeland Security decided to use Air Marshals on these flights to provide extra security, especially as the number of deportations has increased sharply in 2025.
On these flights, Air Marshals are expected to:
- Escort detainees to and from the aircraft
- Provide armed and unarmed security during the flight
- Help with transferring detainees on and off the plane
- Perform tasks like serving food and checking for lice
While the security role is clear, the addition of custodial tasks—such as serving sandwiches and checking for lice—has caused concern among Air Marshals and their representatives.
Concerns from Air Marshals and Their Advocates
A lobby group representing Air Marshals has taken a strong stand against the reassignment. In July 2025, they sent a cease and desist letter to the Department of Homeland Security, demanding an end to what they call an inappropriate use of federal security officers. The group argues that Air Marshals are trained to protect passengers from terrorist threats on commercial flights, not to perform custodial duties on deportation flights.
According to the letter, “Assigning Air Marshals to serve sandwiches and check for lice is not only a waste of their training but also puts the safety of commercial aviation at risk by removing them from their primary duty.” The group believes that these tasks could be handled by other personnel, allowing Air Marshals to focus on their original mission.
Impact on Commercial Aviation Security
One of the biggest worries is that moving Air Marshals from commercial flights to ICE deportation flights could weaken security for regular airline passengers. Air Marshals have played a key role in deterring and responding to threats on commercial flights since the early 2000s. With 100 Air Marshals now working on deportation flights, there are fewer available to protect commercial flights.
Security experts warn that this could make it easier for dangerous individuals to target commercial planes. “Every Air Marshal reassigned to a deportation flight is one less protecting the flying public,” said a former TSA official. However, ICE officials argue that the high-risk nature of deportation flights justifies the need for extra security.
What Does This Mean for ICE Detainees?
For people being deported, the presence of Air Marshals on flights means more security during transport. While this can help prevent incidents, some advocacy groups worry that the hands-on approach—like lice checks and food service—could lead to confusion about the Marshals’ role and possibly affect how detainees are treated.
ICE maintains that all flights follow strict protocols to ensure safety and dignity for everyone on board. Advocacy groups monitoring ICE deportation flights have also worked to correct false rumors, such as claims that detainees are mistreated or dropped mid-flight. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these flights operate under clear rules and oversight, and there is no evidence of such extreme actions.
How Are ICE Deportation Flights Organized?
ICE Air Operations uses a fleet of 12 aircraft based in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. These planes are used to move people both within the United States 🇺🇸 and to other countries. The process involves careful planning, with security checks and medical screenings before and after each flight.
The number of flights has grown in 2025, with June setting a record for removals. This increase is part of a broader effort by the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws more strictly. The use of Air Marshals is seen as one way to manage the risks that come with moving large numbers of detainees.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Department of Homeland Security: DHS has not released detailed public statements about the full scope of Air Marshal reassignments. However, officials say the move is necessary to support ICE’s growing operational needs.
- Air Marshal Lobby Group: The group continues to push for a return to traditional roles, arguing that the current assignments hurt both morale and public safety.
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations: ICE has expanded its flight operations and says that extra security is needed to handle the increased volume and potential risks.
Expert Opinions and Analysis
Immigration enforcement experts say that using Air Marshals on deportation flights shows how seriously DHS is taking its removal operations in 2025. They point out that while security is important, the shift could have unintended effects on commercial aviation safety.
Security analysts are divided. Some believe that the risk on deportation flights justifies the use of Air Marshals, while others think the move leaves commercial flights more exposed. “It’s a balancing act,” said one analyst. “You want to keep everyone safe, but you also have to think about where your resources are most needed.”
Looking Ahead: What Could Change?
The debate over Air Marshal assignments is likely to continue as long as the number of deportation flights remains high. Possible future developments include:
- DHS Review: The Department of Homeland Security may review the policy if pressure from Air Marshal groups and lawmakers grows.
- Legislative Action: Congress could step in, especially if there are concerns about commercial aviation safety.
- Operational Adjustments: ICE may look for other ways to provide security on deportation flights, such as hiring more specialized personnel for custodial tasks.
What Can Affected Communities Do?
- Air Marshals: Those concerned about their assignments can contact their advocacy group or union for support and updates.
- Detainees and Families: Families seeking information about removal flights or detainee rights can visit the official ICE Air Operations factsheet at ice.gov/factsheets/ice-air-operations.
- General Public: Anyone interested in the latest statistics on removals and deportation flights can check ICE’s regularly updated data at ice.gov/statistics.
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
The reassignment of Air Marshals to ICE deportation flights marks a major change in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles both aviation and immigration security. While the Department of Homeland Security says the move is needed to keep deportation flights safe, critics worry about the impact on commercial flight security and the proper use of highly trained personnel.
If you are an Air Marshal, a family member of a detainee, or simply a concerned traveler, it’s important to stay informed about these changes. Check official government resources for the latest updates, and reach out to advocacy groups if you have concerns or need support. As the situation develops, watch for possible policy changes or new guidance from DHS and ICE.
For more detailed information on ICE Air Operations and deportation flights, visit the official ICE Air Operations factsheet. This resource provides up-to-date facts and answers to common questions about how these flights are managed and what security measures are in place.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over Air Marshal assignments is far from over, and the outcome could shape both immigration enforcement and aviation security for years to come.
Learn Today
Federal Air Marshals → Specialized security officers assigned to protect commercial flights from terror threats.
ICE Air Operations → A division responsible for managing deportation and detainee transport flights within and outside the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency overseeing public security, including immigration enforcement and TSA.
Custodial duties → Non-security tasks such as serving food and checking detainees during deportation flights.
Deportation flights → Air transport operations used to remove individuals ordered to leave the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal Air Marshals, known for protecting commercial flights, were reassigned in 2025 to ICE deportation flights. This shift includes new custodial duties, sparking concerns about commercial aviation security and the proper use of specialized personnel amid rising deportations and flight operations.
— By VisaVerge.com
