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United Airlines investigating worker who threatened to call ICE on passenger at SFO
KTVU • • business
Key Points:
- United Airlines is investigating an employee who was recorded threatening to call ICE on a passenger, Julio Varela, at San Francisco International Airport during a dispute over a ticket issue.
- The confrontation occurred after Varela and his family were unable to resolve a ticket problem at United and Air Canada desks, leading to a heated exchange where the employee said the family would not be able to fly that day.
- The employee was caught on video saying, "Maybe we should call ICE on you," and making comments about Varela not "acting like a citizen," which Varela described as shocking, degrading, and intimidating.
- United Airlines apologized privately to Varela and stated they are reviewing the incident but have not provided further details.
- Legal experts suggest the incident could constitute grounds for a civil rights lawsuit if profiling based on race, ethnicity, or national origin is proven.
