The Senate Commerce Committee’s latest report has ignited significant political controversy by alleging that the Biden administration exerted undue pressure on U.S. airports to accommodate migrants, potentially compromising traveler safety and security. The 47-page document, titled ‘Flight Risk,’ presents a comprehensive critique of the administration’s approach to managing the migrant crisis, suggesting that federal agencies were directed to repurpose critical infrastructure under the guise of humanitarian efforts. Central to the report’s allegations is the claim that the White House instructed the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies to identify and secure airport facilities for migrant shelters, despite clear warnings about the potential risks posed to the general public.
The report, based on internal communications and official records, indicates that the administration’s directive extended to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). According to the document, these agencies were compelled to allocate resources for migrant accommodations, often disregarding established safety protocols. For example, FAA officials responded to urgent requests from the White House, as seen in an email from an FAA employee to Massport, which stated, ‘We have received a request from the WH to determine if there are available facilities on airport or surrounding areas. This is an immediate ask so please prioritize this effort.’ This directive, according to the report’s findings, led to the use of airport facilities for housing migrants, sometimes without proper vetting procedures, raising serious concerns about the security of both travelers and the local communities.
Key examples include the use of Boston Logan International Airport, where up to 352 migrants were accommodated in Terminal E, with significant financial investment in security measures. Similarly, Chicago O’Hare Airport reportedly sheltered as many as 900 migrants, leading to a surge in police activity and arrests, including incidents involving theft and disorderly conduct. The report also highlights a notable security breach at JFK Airport, where an undocumented alien managed to enter a secure area with potentially dangerous items, emphasizing the potential consequences of such practices. These incidents underline the report’s contention that the administration’s policies have put American citizens at risk by prioritizing the needs of migrant populations over established safety protocols and resource allocation.
Sen. Ted Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has been vocal in his criticism of the report’s findings, arguing that the Biden administration’s actions represent a dangerous shift in priorities. He has condemned the use of federal resources to support migrant shelters at taxpayer expense, claiming that such decisions compromise both national security and the safety of the American public. The report’s conclusion asserts that the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to migration has led to a misdirection of critical transportation resources, with far-reaching implications for the security and well-being of all citizens.