Overview
- Released Nov. 25, the Senate Commerce Committee staff report alleges the White House directed DOT, FAA, FMCSA and FTA to inventory airport facilities for migrant sheltering and to divert resources to support arrivals.
- An Oct. 6, 2023 FAA email to Massport referenced a White House request for available on‑airport facilities, with a DOT staff reply warning the effort was likely to draw scrutiny.
- The committee says at least 11 airports were asked or pressured to participate, with Boston Logan hosting up to 352 people at Terminal E at a reported cost of $779,000 and Chicago O’Hare sheltering as many as 900 with 329 police service calls and 26 arrests logged.
- The report highlights a 2024 JFK breach in which Kleber Loor-Ponce ran into a secure airfield area before being detained with a box cutter and scissors.
- The report describes additional tasks for transportation agencies, including an FMCSA 'Know Your Rights' bus pamphlet and FTA guidance on using grants for migrant transport, and features criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz while the articles do not include a detailed administration response.