Dozens of videos are making the rounds on TikTok, sparking concern that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now checking passengers’ immigration status at security checkpoints. As a former Transportation Security Officer (TSO) who has made it my duty to share accurate information with the traveling public through my travel newsletter, Gate Access, I want to set the record straight: TSA does not verify immigration status as part of its security screening responsibilities.
TSA’s core mission
The TSA was created in response to the 9/11 attacks, with a single, critical mission: to ensure the safety of the traveling public by detecting and deterring threats to aviation. TSA officers are trained to verify that a passenger’s identification matches their boarding pass and that they pass through appropriate screening for prohibited items.
That’s it.
The idea that TSA officers are suddenly acting as immigration enforcement officers is both inaccurate and misleading. It also fosters unnecessary fear and confusion, particularly among immigrant communities.
Why these rumors spread
It’s not uncommon for travelers and some media outlets to confuse the roles of TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Both agencies operate at airports, but they serve very different functions. CBP handles immigration enforcement and customs, typically at international arrivals. TSA, by contrast, is focused solely on aviation security screening.
Secure Flight, TSA’s passenger vetting program, compares your booking information against federal watchlists; it doesn’t check your immigration status. Officers are tasked with ensuring your ID is valid and that you match your reservation, nothing more.
Are there exceptions?
Of course, but they’re extremely limited. The only time immigration status might become relevant is if a person presents a fraudulent passport or lacks valid identification and self-identifies as a foreign national. In such cases, TSA doesn’t make determinations about immigration status; rather, the situation may be referred to other law enforcement agencies who are properly trained and authorized to handle such matters.
What happens if TSA sees something unusual?
While immigration checks are not part of TSA’s job, officers do have an obligation to report illegal activity if it’s encountered during screening. That could include illicit drugs, weapons or false documents. When something appears unlawful or unsafe, TSA may contact airport police or federal partners. But that’s a far cry from acting as immigration officers.
The role of law enforcement
If a TSA officer encounters something concerning, such as a suspicious package or a counterfeit ID, they may escalate the issue to airport law enforcement or the appropriate federal authorities. That includes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), if the situation warrants it. TSA doesn’t take immigration enforcement into its own hands, nor is it equipped to do so.
Coordination between CBP and ICE
Behind the scenes, there has been a notable shift in how federal resources are being used to support immigration enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, including members of the Border Patrol, have increasingly been detailed to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with interior enforcement operations.
A CBS News report confirmed that around 500 CBP personnel have been deployed to aid ICE in conducting arrests and deportations across the United States. This collaboration involves specialized CBP units, including the Office of Field Operations and Air & Marine Operations, which have been tasked with reinforcing joint efforts across jurisdictions. Additionally, within the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal employees, including TSA Federal Air Marshals, have been temporarily assigned to ICE for tasks like escorting detainees on removal flights.
These deployments underscore a broader strategy by DHS to repurpose personnel and assets in support of interior immigration initiatives. While TSA’s core responsibility remains aviation security, some of its specialized agents have been detailed to assist ICE under specific operational needs, reflecting the interconnected nature of DHS components while reaffirming that TSA’s checkpoint duties do not include immigration enforcement.
Final thoughts
The bottom line? TSA is not checking your immigration status. That role belongs to other agencies. While TSA agents may call in legal personnel when they encounter something beyond their authority, this is standard protocol for any suspected criminal activity, not a targeted immigration crackdown.
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