A viral video showing ICE agents detaining Ecuadorian national Chantal Rojas at the boarding gate for a Southwest Airlines flight in Colorado has ignited widespread debate online, with the footage surpassing 1 million views.

The incident has prompted calls from some travelers to boycott Southwest Airlines, although the carrier says it is simply complying with applicable federal and state laws. Southwest stated that passenger information is available to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the federal screening process.

DHS says Rojas overstayed a visa that expired in January 2025. However, her attorney disputes that claim, stating she filed the necessary immigration paperwork before her visa expired and has legal authorization to remain in the U.S. while her immigration case is pending.

The controversy follows another recent ICE arrest involving Southwest flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson at Nashville International Airport, further fueling discussions over immigration enforcement at U.S. airports.

As the debate continues, fundraising efforts have emerged in support of both detainees, while many are closely watching the outcome of Rojas’ immigration case.