TSA Boosts Data Sharing With ICE, Driving Airport Immigration Arrests
The Transportation Security Administration has stepped up sharing passenger data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prompting a rise in immigration arrests at U.S. airports, sources say.[1]
ICE officials say TSA now regularly provides tips on travelers suspected of civil immigration violations, which has led to arrests of people even when they hold pending immigration applications or work permits.[1] DHS reversed a prior policy that had allowed people in the country illegally to fly domestically and says those travelers will not be allowed to fly except to self-deport.[1]
In May 2025, TSA and ICE signed an agreement to expand information sharing on noncitizen travelers, according to a memo disclosed by American Oversight. That agreement created new channels for screening and for referring travelers to immigration agents, and ICE sources say those channels are producing tips that lead to more arrests at airports.[1]
The disclosures have raised questions about how routine screening data is used and about the fate of travelers with pending immigration claims.
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📌 Key Facts
- In May 2025, TSA and ICE signed an agreement to expand information sharing on noncitizen travelers, according to a memo disclosed by American Oversight.
- ICE sources say TSA now regularly provides tips on travelers suspected of civil immigration violations, leading to more arrests at airports, including of people with pending immigration applications or work permits.
- DHS said it reversed a prior policy that let people in the U.S. illegally fly domestically and pledged they will no longer be allowed to fly except to self-deport.
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