United Airlines employee accused of threatening passenger with ICE call

A United Airlines customer service agent at San Francisco International Airport was recorded telling a passenger, "Maybe we should call ICE on you," during a dispute over a ticketing issue, according to a video posted online. The passenger, Julio Varela, 54, said the comment left him shocked and embarrassed. He posted the nearly 90-second recording on Reddit, where it attracted widespread attention. United confirmed it is investigating the incident.

Varela, an American citizen, said he had spent more than two hours with United staff trying to correct a misspelled name on his daughter’s ticket for a flight to Montreal operated by Air Canada. He alleged the employee responded with a hostile attitude and later suggested involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The employee also reportedly pushed Varela’s phone away during the encounter.

A spokesperson for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the union representing the employee, said the union had no verification of the video's authenticity or full context and that any matters would be addressed through collective bargaining procedures. United Airlines said it has been in contact with Varela and is reviewing the case, but no disciplinary action has been announced.

Varela said he posted the video to raise awareness and encourage others to speak up against perceived discrimination. He added that he hopes the incident highlights the need for accountability in customer service interactions.