Senate Commerce Committee Subpoenas Massport for Migrant Sheltering Documents
Washington, D.C. – The Senate Commerce Committee Chairman, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), has issued a subpoena to the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) for documents related to the sheltering of migrants at Boston Logan International Airport.
Senator Cruz alleges that Massport violated FAA grant requirements by using Logan Airport as a shelter for undocumented immigrants, a practice he deems "reckless and offensive."
Committee’s Previous Request Ignored
In March 2023, Republican members of the Senate Commerce Committee requested documents from Massport regarding the airport’s role in sheltering migrants. The committee argued that the use of FAA-funded facilities for this purpose violated the obligation of maintaining public access.
Despite their request, the committee claims they received no response from Massport.
Ongoing Investigation
Subsequently, the committee expanded its probe into airports in "sanctuary" jurisdictions, cities that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The investigation seeks to determine the extent of migrant sheltering at these airports and its potential impact on safety and security.
Massport’s Change in Policy
In July 2024, Massport barred migrants from using Logan Airport as a shelter, offering them taxpayer-funded accommodation elsewhere. According to a Massport spokesperson, no migrant families have stayed overnight at the airport since then.
Committee’s Demands
The committee’s subpoena seeks a wide range of documents and communications related to the migrant sheltering operation, including:
- Number of migrants housed
- Costs incurred
- Impact on airport capacity
- Screening information
- Reimbursement arrangements
- Security incidents
- Communication with government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare providers
- Identity of individuals involved in migrant housing
Cruz’s Criticism
Senator Cruz denounced Massport’s alleged violation of FAA grant requirements, calling it "reckless and offensive." He emphasized the potential security risks posed by housing undocumented immigrants in a public airport.
Cruz also criticized Massport’s refusal to provide the requested information, stating that it obstructed the committee’s investigation into the matter.
Trump Administration’s Crackdown
The subpoena aligns with the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration. The administration has increased interior enforcement, targeted sanctuary cities, restricted border crossings, and employed the military along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Conclusion
The Senate Commerce Committee’s subpoena of Massport is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the use of airports to shelter migrants. The committee’s findings could have implications for the future management of such operations and potentially lead to accountability for those responsible for any violations of FAA regulations.
