Heroic ICE Agent Rescues Unresponsive Toddler Amid TSA Chaos at JFK Airport

An ICE agent’s quick thinking saved a young child’s life at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Wednesday, according to authorities.

The agent, who was on duty assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff, sprang into action when a medical emergency unfolded involving a 1-year-old boy, per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The situation turned dire when the boy, held by his father, suddenly became unresponsive. Security footage from within the airport captured the alarming moment in the TSA PreCheck line.

The child’s arms went limp, prompting his father to desperately seek assistance amidst growing panic.

The child’s arms became lifeless, sparking a panic as his father scrambled to find help. 

An agent working his post heard the father’s screams and panic from passengers and rushed to the scene. He assessed the child and began performing the Heimlich maneuver, DHS said. 

After a few seconds, the child started to breathe again. Responding paramedics evaluated the boy, and he was healthy enough to fly. 

“This heroic officer immediately sprang into action—rushing toward the cries, taking the child, and performing a Heimlich maneuver that restored the infant’s breathing after nearly two minutes,” DHS said. “This officer’s extraordinary bravery embodies the selfless service of DHS law enforcement.”

An ICE agents saved the life of an unresponsive child at JFK airport in New York City on Wednesday.  (Department of Homeland Security)

The boy was the second child to be saved by ICE in recent weeks. On Feb. 20, a 4-year-old boy was saved by off-duty ICE agents in Massachusetts when he fell into a hotel swimming pool and almost drowned. 

The agents happened to be inside a restaurant in Plymouth when they were approached by a panicked woman seeking assistance for the unresponsive child. 

The agents performed CPR before paramedics arrived. 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are seen at Terminal 1 of JFK. An ICE agent on Wednesday saved the life of a 1-year-old boy at JFK after he performed the Heimlich maneuver, the Department of Homeland Security said.  (Getty Images)

“If our agents had not been there and stepped up, this would have been a tragic outcome,” ICE said at the time. “Because of their training, these two agents were able to save a life. Our agents are truly the best of the best. Every single day they put their lives on the line to save American lives.”

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