United rep threatens to call ICE on California customer in viral video

Key Points:

• Julio Varela, a Mexican American father and U.S. citizen, was threatened with a call to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by a United Airlines customer service agent during a dispute at San Francisco International Airport over a ticketing issue.
• The incident, captured on video by Varela, shows the agent saying, "Maybe we should call ICE on you," and "You don’t act like a citizen," prompting public outrage and an investigation by United Airlines.
• Varela posted the video on Reddit to raise awareness and encourage other immigrants and minorities to stand up against such treatment, emphasizing the seriousness of ICE threats regardless of citizenship status.
• The union representing the employee acknowledged the video but questioned its authenticity and context, while United Airlines confirmed it is investigating the matter without disclosing any disciplinary actions so far.
• Varela, shaken by the experience in a liberal city like San Francisco, has received widespread media attention and continues to share his story to combat racism and uphold the message of standing up for one's rights.