The Port of Seattle Commission issued a joint statement on Friday, May 23, 2025, expressing deep concern over reports that individuals have been detained for extended periods of time in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

“Prolonged detention without appropriate process not only raises serious concerns — it undermines public trust,” the commissioners said in the statement. “We do expect the federal agencies in our airport to provide fair and respectful treatment of detainees that follow legal and policy requirements.”

While acknowledging that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction, the commission emphasized its responsibility to advocate for dignity, justice, and transparency at the airport it oversees.

In response to the reports, the Port has secured a meeting with local CBP field office leadership to request clarity on several issues, including:

  • Standards for communications regarding individuals held for extended periods
  • Standards of care for long-term detainees
  • Strategies for transparent communication with the Port, community members, and families

The commissioners cited CBP’s own National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS), which state:

“Detainees should generally not be held for longer than 72 hours… Every effort must be made to hold detainees for the least amount of time required.”

“As commissioners, we are committed to pursue every available action to ensure that SEA Airport remains a place that upholds dignity, justice, and transparency,” the statement read.

No specific incidents or individuals were referenced in the Port’s release, but officials say they will continue to press for answers and accountability from federal partners.

Full Text of Statement

“May 23, 2025

“The following is a joint statement from all Port of Seattle Commissioners:

“Port of Seattle Commissioners are deeply concerned by reports that individuals have been held in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for extended periods of time. Immigration enforcement is entirely within federal jurisdiction, and we are working with our congressional delegation on these matters. However, we do expect the federal agencies in our airport to provide fair and respectful treatment of detainees that follow legal and policy requirements. Prolonged detention without appropriate process not only raises serious concerns — it undermines public trust.

“As commissioners, we are committed to pursue every available action to ensure that SEA Airport remains a place that upholds dignity, justice, and transparency.

“The Port of Seattle has secured a meeting with CBP’s local field office leadership where we will request information on standards for communications regarding individuals held for an extended period of time, standards of care for individuals detained for extended period of time, and strategies to communicate transparently with the Port and community members and families.

“According to CBP’s most recently published National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS), “Detainees should generally not be held for longer than 72 hours in CBP hold rooms or holding facilities. Every effort must be made to hold detainees for the least amount of time required for their processing, transfer, release, or repatriation as appropriate and as operationally feasible.”

“We believe in transparency, and we will continue to press for clear answers from CBP on these matters.”