‘They arrive at all hours’: This Major US Airport is Sheltering Over 100 Illegal Migrants

By: May Man Published: Jun 13, 2024

In recent weeks, more than 100 migrants have been using Boston’s Logan International Airport as a temporary shelter, with many sleeping on the facility’s floors.

According to a police source who spoke to Fox News, these individuals have created makeshift beds and air mattresses throughout the airport.

Dramatic Surge

This has been turning the bustling transport hub into an impromptu refuge.

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Illegal Immigrants in Boston's Logan Airport

Source: RobertHollist7, X

The influx of migrants has surged dramatically. Just a few months ago, only a few dozen were staying at the airport.

Airport Used for Shelter

However, a report from the New York Post highlights a significant increase in their numbers, with hundreds now relying on Logan Airport for shelter.

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Logan Airport

Source: Luciof, Wikimedia

A representative from MassPort, the Massachusetts Port Authority, commented on the situation.

Exacerbated by Shortage of Staff

“We continue to see migrants at the airport. They come to Logan a number of ways. They also arrive at Logan at all hours.”

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Terminal A of Logan Airport at night

Source: Alan Myles NYC, Wikimedia

This continuous arrival of migrants is exacerbated by a shortage of staff and resources at nearby facilities.

Transporting Migrants

Because of this, migrants are transported to state welcome centers during the day and then returned to the airport at night.

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blue bus on road

Source: Sounderbruce, Wikimedia

The living conditions for these migrants are far from ideal.

Poor Living Conditions

The report details their struggles with sleeping on hard, cold floors under glaring lights that remain on around the clock.

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blurred airport lights

Source: lifeforstock, Freepik

Additionally, they face constant disruptions from frequent airport announcements, making rest difficult.

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Shelters at Maximum Capacity

The reason for this overflow at Logan Airport traces back to late last year.

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exterior of a homeless shelter

Source: Keizers, Wikimedia

In November, state shelters reached their maximum capacity of 7,500 families.

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Temporary Refuge

With no available space, many migrants found themselves on a waiting list for shelter rooms, leading them to seek temporary refuge at the airport.

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map with Massachusetts highlighted

Source: TUBS, Wikimedia

Massachusetts does not currently have any statewide sanctuary laws.

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Sanctuary Policies

Still, several cities within the state, including Boston, have implemented local sanctuary policies.

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streets of Boston

Source: TravelScape, Freepik

Despite this, the state is grappling with the challenge of providing adequate shelter for the increasing number of migrants.

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More Shelter

Governor Maura Healey has taken steps to address this crisis.

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homeless man laying on side street with dirty clothes

Source: Jcomp, Freepik

In May, she announced plans to convert a former prison south of Boston into a shelter capable of hosting 400 homeless families, including 150 migrant families.

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Existing State Shelters

This initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate the pressure on existing state shelters.

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side view of homeless man sitting on the ground with a help sign next to him

Source: Freepik

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

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The situation at Logan Airport underscores the broader challenges Massachusetts faces.

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Illegal immigrants sheltering in Boston's Logan Airport

Source: mer_ga52032, X

The state seeks to support and accommodate the growing number of migrants arriving.

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