United Airlines Employee Loses It, Threatens ICE on US Citizen: ‘You Don’t Act Like a Citizen’
A United Airlines employee unleashed a tirade at a Mexican-born US citizen, threatening to call ICE and declaring, “You don’t act like a citizen.”
This shocking incident unfolded at San Francisco International Airport, where passenger Julio Varela attempted to resolve a ticketing issue before flying to Montreal with his family.
“Maybe we should call ICE on you,” the employee said in a now-viral video posted online.
When Varela requested clarification, she shot back, “Maybe you need to be, because you don’t act like a citizen. Get away.”
Varela, a naturalized US citizen and business owner from San Ramon, accused the employee of racism, claiming her inflammatory remark came during an exhausting hours-long struggle to get his family on their flight.
United Airlines threatens to call ICE on customer then walks up to him and pushes phone away
by u/666TripleSick in unitedairlines
“I am Mexican. I was born in Mexico. I am a US citizen. I own my own business. I pay taxes. I employ people,” Varela stated.
He condemned the employee’s comments as hateful and racist, especially given the current climate in America regarding minorities.
United Airlines acknowledged the incident, stating they are reviewing the video but have no further information to share at this time.
The conflict originated from a ticketing error caused by Varela’s wife mistakenly entering their daughter’s middle name in the last-name field during booking.
Varela reported that the family spent approximately 15 hours over two weeks on the phone with the airline trying to fix the issue, but it remained unresolved as their travel date approached.
After nearly three additional hours of attempts to rectify the problem, Air Canada rebooked three family members but required United to update Varela’s daughter’s ticket before finalizing her reservation.
Varela began recording after the United employee dismissed their concerns and refused to provide her name when asked.
In one clip, he repeatedly demanded her identification while labeling her “lazy” and “rude.”
“I’ve asked you for your name,” he insisted.
The employee told him multiple times to move away before exiting the counter area.
When another staff member inquired if he wanted police involvement, Varela replied, “No, I want ICE, like she said.”
The confrontation escalated as the employee insisted he move away and get his phone out of her face while he accused her of racism, claimed she would be fired, and threatened legal action.
As the video neared its end, the employee stepped out from behind the counter and approached Varela while holding her phone.
The footage jolted as Varela warned her not to touch him.
He later recounted that the employee pushed his hand away, causing the recording to stop.
Varela admitted on Reddit that he lost his temper but maintained he was calm until the employee’s comment about ICE escalated tensions.
The employee’s badge suggested she is a union steward with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, representing United passenger service employees.
The union acknowledged awareness of the circulating video but stated they could not verify its authenticity or context.
They emphasized that the comments made do not reflect the union's views or values and that any issues arising from this incident will be addressed through established processes.
Despite the chaos, Varela’s family ultimately boarded their flight after another employee intervened to assist them.
