Employee Detained by ICE at Syracuse Airport
An employee of Upstate Medical University was taken into custody by ICE at Syracuse Airport on Wednesday night, marking the fourth incident of this nature in the past year, according to union officials who reported the news on Thursday. The individual was subsequently released with an ankle monitor.
Details of the Incident
Dame Ka was making his way from Syracuse to Atlanta to attend a World Cup game. Having immigrated from Senegal in 2023, Ka recounted that he has traveled extensively within the U.S. since then. As he prepared to pass through the TSA security checkpoint after receiving his boarding pass, a plainclothes immigration officer approached him.
Confrontation at TSA
During the encounter, Ka noticed several officers nearby. “There were four people, two in front of me, one behind me, and one to my left,” he explained. When he questioned the officers about his arrest, they informed him that he would need to visit their office for paperwork but assured him he would be released that same day.
Interrogation Procedures
The officers, dressed in plain clothes, displayed their badges when requested. They handcuffed Ka and, upon his mention that he had no way to cover his hands, one officer retrieved a cloth from his pocket to conceal the cuffs. Ka expressed concern over being treated like a criminal despite having no wrongdoing.
Union Stance on Detained Employees
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to inquiries about the incident. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority stated it is aware of the situation but does not enforce federal immigration laws, leaving such matters to ICE. Ali Cottrell, president of the local public servants association, emphasized the need for the community to understand that the detained workers are not bad individuals. “We advocate for people because they are our workers, co-workers, and neighbors, affirming everyone’s right to protection and voice,” Cottrell stated.
History of Detained Workers
Ka was employed in the environmental services department at Upstate Medical University, following the same fate as three other hospital employees detained last fall: Mohamed Fofana, Alex Ramirez Gonzalez, and Yan Vazquez Hidalgo.
Legal Proceedings and Ankle Monitor
Following his detention, Ka was taken to a nearby office, although he remained unaware of its precise location. He was informed that he would need to appear in court on July 1, but the duration of the ankle monitoring requirement was left unclear. “When I asked them for clarification, they directed me to a lawyer for details on the removal process,” Ka mentioned, denying any intent to evade legal obligations.
Concerns Over Ankle Monitor Stigma
Ka expressed unease about the perceptions others may hold due to the ankle monitor. “When I see someone with an ankle monitor, I often think they might be a criminal. Wearing one myself made me worry that others would view me as a bad person,” he said.
Seeking Asylum and Safety
Identifying as part of the LGBTQ community, Ka fled Senegal in search of asylum, necessitated by the hostile environment for homosexuals in his home country. In 2024, he applied for asylum but faced denial, leading to a temporary hold on his removal. As reported, Senegal recently intensified penalties against same-sex sexual conduct, doubling prison sentences and banning any efforts perceived to “promote homosexuality,” a measure passed by the parliament and approved by the president in March.
