ICE Deportation Flight Stranded for 13 Hours on Tarmac Amid Severe New Hampshire Blizzard
A flight transporting detainees for deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was stranded on the tarmac at Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire for approximately 13 hours after landing during a fierce blizzard, according to a recent report. The incident, which occurred early on Monday morning, has sparked criticism and raised questions about decision-making and welfare protocols.
Sudden Arrival and Extended Grounding
Portsmouth International Airport officials stated they received merely 15 minutes' advance notice that the flight was inbound, making it too late to redirect the aircraft. The flight, operated by Omni Air International, originated in Harlingen, Texas, around 8:15 pm local time on Sunday and landed at 1:09 am on Monday. Flight records identified the aircraft as a Boeing 767-300 with a maximum capacity of 290 seats.
Due to the severe blizzard conditions at the airport, the plane was unable to continue its journey, leaving detainees stranded onboard for about 13 hours until they were permitted to deboard into the terminal around 2 pm. The extended ground time caused the flight crew to exceed their maximum allowable duty hours, triggering a mandatory rest period that further delayed the schedule, as confirmed by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
Welfare Measures and Operational Challenges
In response to the delay, the DHS spokesperson emphasized that detainees were provided with catered meals, continuous access to drinking water, and appropriate restroom facilities. All required prescription medications were supplied at no cost, with medical personnel available to offer proper care. ICE personnel conducted regular welfare checks to ensure the well-being, comfort, and dignity of those awaiting departure.
The flight was finally rescheduled to depart around midnight, resulting in a total ground time of nearly 23 hours. Portsmouth International Airport, which is legally obligated to service federal aircraft without discretion, expressed frustration over the decision to land during well-publicized blizzard warnings.
Accountability and Safety Concerns
Airport spokesperson Tiffany Eddy told The Boston Globe that had they been informed in advance of the intent to land during the storm, they would have strongly advised against it and suggested diversion to an airport not impacted by the severe weather. This has led to finger-pointing over responsibility for the landing decision.
Seth Miller, a Democratic state representative and aviation writer, described the choice to land in such conditions as "a bit misguided," noting that the weather in New England was widely known before departure from Texas. Miller asserted that accountability lies with Omni Air and DHS, stating, "The buck has to stop there."
Security and Broader Context
On Monday evening, a local reporter was denied access to the terminal where detainees were held, and Portsmouth police dispatched officers to the airport amid concerns of a potential protest, which did not materialize. DHS did not immediately respond to inquiries about the flight's destination or the number of detainees aboard.
According to Human Rights First's ICE Flight Monitor, at least five other deportation flights have refueled in Portsmouth en route to Asia, highlighting the airport's role in such operations. The incident underscores ongoing debates about immigration enforcement practices and the logistical challenges of deportation flights during extreme weather events.
