ICE Is at U.S. Airports. Here's What You Need to Know

I flew into the Newark airport (EWR) last week.

And honestly? It was uneventful. No drama, no confrontations, no Jason Bourne moments.

But here's the deal. I went in prepared. And that preparation is the whole point of this email.

What's Actually Happening at U.S. Airports Right Now

The DHS shutdown left TSA employees working without pay for weeks. More than 480 agents have quit. Thousands more have been calling out daily. That has led to hour-long lines, chaos at security, and a fix that has a lot of travelers on edge.

The government's answer?

Deploy ICE agents to 14 major airports, including JFK, O'Hare, LaGuardia, and others, to help with crowd control and guarding entrances while TSA handles the actual security work. Link

What I Saw at EWR

I didn't spot any ICE agents, but I did notice an unusually large number of CBP agents near the exit. More than I typically see. Some carrying large weapons.

Could they have been plain-clothes agents using CBP presence as cover? Possible. I can't confirm it. I'm a travel blogger, not a federal agent. But the energy in the terminal felt different.

I moved fast and kept to myself. I have Global Entry, which means the government already has my biometrics, my travel history, and my documentation. I walked through, skipped the line, and got out.

That said, I wasn't just relying on Global Entry to protect me. I did my homework beforehand.

What I Did Before I Flew

Here's the exact prep I ran through before heading to the airport.

I uninstalled all social media from my phone. If an agent goes through your device, your content history goes with it. I wasn't taking that chance.

I also turned off Face ID and switched to a PIN. The reason is simple. An agent can physically hold your phone up to your face without asking. They can't force a PIN out of you the same way.

I moved quickly once I was inside. Everyone is on edge right now and the airport is not the place to browse, linger, or get comfortable. Get in, get through, get out.

What You Should Know About Your Rights

Here's where it gets important.

• You are not at home. The airport is a federal space, and the rules are different. Agents can ask for your legal documentation and search your luggage. That is within their authority.
   
• You can and should verbally state that you do not consent to a search of your device. That matters as a legal record. But they may still detain it. If you are carrying anything sensitive on your phone, know this is a gray area right now.
   
• You have the right to remain silent. I would use it.
   
• Do not physically resist officers. Document everything you safely can. That documentation could matter later if a legal challenge becomes necessary.
   
• Memorize a phone number before you go. One number. A family member, a friend, someone you trust. If you are ever separated from your phone, that call may be the only one you get.

The Bottom Line

My trip through Newark was fine. Maybe ICE wasn't there that day. Maybe having Global Entry meant there were no questions about my citizenship. I honestly don't know.

But here's the thing. I wasn't just hoping for the best. I went in with a plan.

Travel is still worth doing. The world is still out there. You just need to move through it smarter right now.

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Have you flown recently with the airport changes? What did you notice on the ground?

Cocktail of the Week

The Gibson cocktail, a classic variation of the martini, is believed to have originated in the United States during the late 19th or early 20th century. This cocktail distinguishes itself by the unique addition of pickled onions, offering a savory twist to the traditional martini experience.

Recipe:

• 2 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Pickled onions for garnish
• Ice

Preparation:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Pour gin and dry vermouth into the mixing glass.
• Stir the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish the drink with pickled onions on a cocktail pick.

Random Travel Thought

Respect to all TSA officers out there.

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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