Memphis International Airport

A group of volunteers called The Bird-Watchers tracks U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's flights at Wilson Air Center near Memphis. They document detainees being transported, often restrained in shackles and chains, from vans or buses onto aircraft. Activists criticize the practice, noting concerns over safety regulations, and highlighting the financial cycle involving ICE contractors and private prisons like CoreCivic.

Memphis immigrant advocates are urging the Wilson Air Center to stop facilitating flights that transport detained immigrants out of the state. The group, Vecindarios 901, tracked 51 flights since March carrying detainees to Alexandria, Louisiana, where ICE operates a detention facility. Advocates argue these flights prevent immigrants from fighting deportation cases in Tennessee.

Tennessee's new 9th Congressional District stretches from Nolensville through rural towns to Memphis International Airport, created by a Republican-led legislature to eliminate the last Democratic-held seat. The district splits Memphis across three districts, aiming to dilute Black voter influence and shift political representation.

A Southwest Airlines jet was struck by a ground equipment vehicle during boarding at Memphis International Airport, causing the flight to be taken out of service. Passengers were rebooked on an alternate aircraft, leading to a nearly four-hour delay. The incident is under investigation by Southwest's Safety Management System.