Air Force removes names, patches from uniforms during deportation flights
Feb 7, 2025

The Air Force is requiring crew members and security forces on deportation flights to remove their name tapes and unit patches from uniforms while maintaining other identifying marks. The Air Force cited safety and security concerns for the lack of transparency about service member numbers and units involved in deportation operations, making it the only military branch not publicly disclosing such details.
Sources
Related incidents
- Guatemalan man tackled and detained by ICE while eating outside NY homeAug 21, 2026 · New Rochelle, NY
- Video shows ICE agents forcing women to ground during Fort Myers, Florida stopAug 20, 2026 · Fort Myers, FL
- Woman detained by ICE while baby on oxygen sat in back seatAug 20, 2026 · Santa Fe, NM
- Man questioned by Secret Service at home over private anti-ICE messagesAug 20, 2026 · Carrollton, VA
- Father with U visa detained by ICE outside Santa Fe clinic while taking child to doctorAug 20, 2026 · Santa Fe, NM
- Man arrested by ICE agents at Texas home as owner demands warrantAug 20, 2026 · Brownsville, TX