A one-year-old child who stopped breathing while waiting in a security line at John F. Kennedy International Airport was revived by a federal agent, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The incident occurred at the busy New York airport as travelers moved through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. Officials said the child became unresponsive while being held by his father, prompting calls for help from nearby passengers.

Witnesses reported that the infant’s body went limp, and the situation quickly drew attention from people in the area.

An agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who was stationed nearby as part of airport support operations, responded immediately.

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According to DHS, the agent took the child from the father, assessed the situation, and began performing the Heimlich maneuver.

Video released by the department shows the moments inside the TSA line as the agent worked to restore the child’s breathing while travelers looked on.

Officials said the child had gone nearly two minutes without breathing before the intervention.

Within moments of the maneuver, the infant began breathing again.

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Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and evaluated the child, determining he was stable enough to continue traveling.

“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,” Homeland Security said.

“This officer’s extraordinary bravery embodies the selfless service of DHS law enforcement.”

The rescue took place as ICE agents have been deployed to assist with airport operations during ongoing staffing shortages affecting the Transportation Security Administration.

Officials said the shortages have contributed to long lines and delays at major airports.

ICE personnel assigned to airports are not conducting security screenings or operating TSA equipment.

Instead, they have been assisting with crowd control, managing passenger flow, and supporting general airport operations.

The Department of Homeland Security said the deployment is part of efforts to stabilize airport conditions during a period of operational strain tied to a federal government shutdown.

The shutdown has affected TSA staffing, with officers working without pay, leading to increased callouts and resignations.

Authorities said the presence of ICE agents at airports has primarily focused on logistical support, though the recent incident demonstrated their training and readiness to respond to emergencies.

Officials also noted that the JFK incident is not the first time ICE personnel have assisted in emergency situations.

DHS referenced other recent cases in which agents intervened, including helping to save a child in a near-drowning situation.

At airports across the country, delays have continued as staffing challenges persist.

Federal officials said the additional support from ICE agents is intended to help manage conditions for travelers as operations continue under strained circumstances.

The child’s condition was stabilized following the incident, and no further medical complications were reported at the scene.

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