28 Jan 2017 8:49 pm
All hell breaking loose at JFK International airport.
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance called for a temporary ban on pick-ups at John F. Kennedy Airport as a protest against President Trump’s ban on refugees from seven Muslim-dominated countries.
The alliance, which represents a wide swath of yellow taxi drivers in New York City, called for a temporary stoppage of pick-ups and drop-offs at JFK between 6-7 PM on Saturday.
Update, January 28th, 7:34PM ET: The mass protest at JFK airport against Trump’s Muslim ban has apparently led police to restrict access to the AirTrain. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the AirTrain, tweeted that it “respects the right to protest,” but is controlling access due to overcrowding conditions.
Update January 28th, 8:13PM ET: The AirTrain shutdown at JFK has apparently been reversed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to the governor’s director of communication director.
And in a statement, Cuomo says he directed the MTA and the New York State Police “to assist with transportation and security needs to ensure the safety of all those participating.”
That may help alleviate some of the tension at JFK right now, but given the size of the crowds and the uncertainty surrounding those who have been detained by customs officials, it will take something much bigger than a working AirTrain to bring calm to the scene.
Cuomo has also ordered the New York State Department of State and his counsel’s office to assist those who have been detained at JFK. “This is not who we are, and not who we should be,” the governor said.
http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/28/14426 ... m-ban-uber