The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is issuing a subpoena to the Massachusetts Port Authority for documents requested last year regarding the sheltering of migrants at Boston Logan International Airport. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who heads the committee, is seeking information on the use of airport facilities to house migrants.
Last year, lawmakers raised concerns about the use of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant-funded facilities at Logan Airport for sheltering migrants, arguing that it violated grant conditions requiring facilities to be available for public use.
At the height of the migrant crisis, migrants were reportedly staying at Terminal E of the airport on a daily basis. However, in July, migrants were no longer allowed to use the airport as a shelter and were provided taxpayer-funded accommodation elsewhere.
The committee had requested details on the number of migrants housed, related costs, capacity impact, screening procedures, and reimbursement information from Massport but did not receive a response.
The subpoena seeks documents and communications related to the housing of migrants at Logan Airport, including interactions with government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. It also aims to obtain information on security incidents involving migrants and individuals involved in providing housing.
Sen. Cruz criticized Massport for allegedly violating FAA grant requirements by using the airport as housing for illegal immigrants. He emphasized the importance of holding those involved accountable and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Trump administration's stringent approach to illegal immigration, including increased interior enforcement and restrictions on releasing migrants into the interior, is noted in the context of the subpoena.
