TSA's Information Sharing with ICE: Implications for Travelers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been sharing passenger information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising concerns about the potential for arrests and deportations at U.S. airports. This collaboration, which reportedly began in March 2025, allows ICE to identify travelers with deportation orders and detain them as they pass through airport security.

National immigration Law CenterNew York TimesNBC 7 San Diego

TSA provides ICE with lists of travelers, including names and birth dates, which ICE cross-references with its records. If ICE identifies individuals they wish to target, they can dispatch agents to apprehend these travelers at airports. This practice has already resulted in arrests, such as that of college student Ana Lucía López Belloza, who was detained at Boston Logan Airport on November 20, 2025, and deported to Honduras shortly thereafter.

New York Times

Individuals at heightened risk of arrest include those who are undocumented, have temporary legal status that has been revoked, or possess old deportation orders. Notably, travelers with pending immigration applications, including asylum seekers and green card applicants, are also vulnerable. Furthermore, even lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can be arrested if they have certain criminal convictions.

National immigration Law CenterNew York Times

The Port of Seattle Commission expressed deep concern regarding TSA's data-sharing practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and the importance of maintaining public trust in airport security operations. They reaffirmed their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all travelers, regardless of immigration status. In contrast, a TSA spokesperson defended the policy, stating it is not new and aligns with efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Statement from Seattle Port Commission on TSA Information Sharing

Critics argue that the TSA's collaboration with ICE undermines due process and disproportionately targets vulnerable populations. Immigration attorney Jan Bejar criticized the practice, stating that it allows for arrests without proper legal proceedings. Public sentiment among travelers reflects similar concerns, with many expressing discomfort about the implications of such enforcement actions occurring in airports.

NBC 7 San Diego

While TSA officials assert that not all passenger data is sent to ICE, the extent of the data-sharing program remains unclear. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of flagged names lead to arrests, but exact figures and the total number of arrests resulting from this collaboration have not been disclosed.

New York Times

As the situation evolves, advocacy groups and local governments are likely to continue pressing for greater accountability and transparency regarding TSA's information-sharing practices. Ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement policies may also influence future regulations affecting travelers at U.S. airports.

Statement from Seattle Port Commission on TSA Information Sharing

• “The message to those in the country illegally is clear: The only reason you should be flying is to self-deport home,” — Tricia McLaughlin, Spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security

New York Times

• “I firmly believe in privacy. And I don't think the TSA should be sharing information with ICE or anyone else,” — Jerry Fritz, San Diego Traveler

NBC 7 San Diego

• “It’s not very transparent, is it?” — Barbara Fritz, San Diego Traveler

NBC 7 San Diego

• “What they're doing is they're going fishing, and in every possible fish tank that they find,” — Jan Bejar, Immigration Attorney

NBC 7 San Diego