A Delta Air Lines pilot was arrested by federal agents moments after landing at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday night, drawing shock from passengers and crew aboard Flight 2809 from Minneapolis. The arrest, executed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is reportedly linked to an ongoing child sexual abuse material investigation, according to law enforcement sources.
The aircraft landed at approximately 9:35 p.m. PT after delays due to heavy fog. As passengers prepared to deplane, roughly 10 federal agents, including HSI officers and air marshals, boarded the plane and made their way to the cockpit. "A group of people with badges, guns, and different agency vests/markings were pushing their way up through the aisle to the cockpit," passenger Sarah Christianson told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Christianson, who was seated in the cabin during the incident, said agents "stormed the cockpit" and led the pilot down the jet bridge in front of stunned passengers. "It was rage-inducing to see someone being disappeared right in front of me," she added.
A second team of agents boarded the plane shortly after to collect the pilot's belongings. The aircraft crew appeared unaware of the pending arrest. "The other pilot announced that he had 'no idea what just happened,'" Christianson said.
A spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations confirmed the agency's role, stating: "This is an ongoing local investigation with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office." HSI is a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and frequently collaborates with local law enforcement on criminal probes involving national security, trafficking, and cybercrime.
Delta Air Lines declined to comment, deferring all questions to law enforcement authorities. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office has not yet responded to inquiries.
