Representative Matt Gaetz raised concerns with Delta Air Lines’ CEO regarding the potential transportation of undocumented immigrants from the U.S./Mexico border to various parts of the country.
In a letter addressed to Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastion, the Florida Republican inquired about the company’s involvement in transporting nonresident aliens using possible taxpayer-funded avenues through nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Recent allegations stemmed from a viral post by conservative commentator Ashley St. Clair, alleging the airline’s role in ferrying migrants from Arizona to New York City. Gaetz expressed alarm at the prospect of taxpayers covering the travel expenses for these migrants, particularly without comprehensive vetting procedures in place.
“It has recently come to my attention that Delta Air Lines is transporting nonresident aliens from the southern border of the United States into the interior of the country,” Mr. Gaetz wrote. “The United States Congress has an interest in understanding pursuant to which arrangements with federal agencies and [NGOs] nonresident aliens are able to book and travel on Delta Air Lines flights.”
The lawmaker highlighted concerns about the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) standards for identifying nonresident aliens boarding flights operated by Delta Air Lines, emphasizing the need for a stronger verification process akin to that of American citizens.
In his inquiry, Gaetz urged Delta to disclose the number of migrants transported on behalf of governmental agencies and NGOs since January 2021, details regarding reimbursements or ticket purchases by NGOs, any reimbursements or incentives received by Delta for these services, and whether TSA guidelines permit alternate forms of identification for undocumented individuals to pass through security checkpoints.
Gaetz stressed the importance of transparency in these dealings with Congress, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding collaborations between federal agencies, NGOs, and Delta Air Lines and their implications for national security.
“Therefore, I am concerned the Transportation Security Administration may be allowing nonresident aliens to board flights, including those operated by Delta Air Lines, with an alternate form of identification that meets a weaker standard than that used to verify the identities of American citizens when they fly,” he wrote.
“It is of the utmost importance and of great concern for national security that you are transparent in discussing these arrangements with Congress,” Mr. Gaetz wrote. “The American people and their elected representatives must be made aware of how the cooperation between federal agencies, NGOs and Delta Air Lines impacts our national security.”
This inquiry coincides with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s actions, transporting and flying undocumented immigrants to cities like New York and Chicago to highlight the influx of migrants crossing the U.S./Mexico border during President Biden’s tenure.
In response to Chicago’s measures against unauthorized bus operations, Governor Abbott announced plans to expand operations by chartering flights to transport undocumented individuals to these cities.
“Sanctuary city Chicago started obstructing and targeting our busing mission,” Mr. Abbott wrote on X. “Texas will now expand our operation to include flights to Chicago.”
