Who Owns that Airport in your State. Does your State? Can State Controlled National Guard Circumvent DHS ICE in Airports within a State? March 2026

Who Owns that Airport in your State. 

• Does your State, local jurisdiction\airport authority?. 
• Can State Controlled National Guard Circumvent DHS ICE in Airports within a State?

Can DHS ICS be removed for services on State owned property NOT immigration related?

DHS ICE funds should be reallocated for salaries of TSA Agents that better serve the public and National Security interest

In the United States, almost all commercial airports are owned by state or local governments The "all but one" exception typically refers to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  While it remains government-owned by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, it is operated by a private consortium, Aerostar Airport Holdings, under a 40-year public-private partnership (P3) lease finalized in 2013. This makes it the only major commercial airport in the U.S. currently managed and operated by the private sector under the FAA's Airport Investment Partnership Program.  Key Facts About U.S. Airport Ownership Government Ownership: The vast majority of the approximately 19,000+ U.S. airports are publicly owned by municipalities, counties, or states. Private Operation vs. Ownership: Many airports use private contractors for specific services (like retail or parking), but full operational management by a private entity is rare. Failed or Proposed Leases: Other major airports, such as Chicago Midway  and   St. Louis Lambert have explored similar private lease agreements but ultimately did not finalize them. International Contrast: In contrast to the U.S. model, many major airports in Europe and Asia are either fully privatized or operated as for-profit companies with majority government stakes.

Following the events of September 11, 2001 the National Guard and ACTIVE military units were activated to assist the Dept of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Airports.     DHS ICE funds should be reallocated for salaries of TSA Agents that better serve the public and National Security interest National Security Interests Is the use of DHS ICE valid as a tool for U.S. Airports to assist TSA staff?   No Is the lack of TSA staff due to budget concerns justification for any thoughts of ‘privatization’?  No Any recommendations for National Security Council in the use of National Guard vs DHS ICE agents at U.S. Airports?  None so far.

 

The Dept of Homeland Security, TSA and FAA are the legal authority for all US Airports; Federal Jurisdiction; however, most airports are under local immediate management by state, county or city officials (local police, etc) who first enforce and apply Federal law, and subsequently, state and local laws specific to each airport locale.