United Airlines is investigating a viral video from July 20, 2026, showing one of its employees threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Julio Varela, a Mexican American customer, at San Francisco International Airport.

The incident began when Varela, from San Ramon, became frustrated with the airline staff over a prolonged delay correcting an error involving his daughter's name on a ticket for a flight to Canada, according to NBC News. After waiting for three hours, Varela asked the employee to identify herself, stating, “I’m asking for your name so I can report you,” in a video that has since gained widespread attention.

In response, the United Airlines employee recorded Varela on her phone and said, “Maybe we should call ICE on you. You don’t act like a citizen.” Varela, a naturalized U.S. citizen, became increasingly upset, exchanging heated words with the staffer. He accused her of racism and laziness during the confrontation.

United Airlines has acknowledged the video and said it is looking into the matter. NBC News reports that no further action occurred when Varela returned to the airport.

Sources