The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun providing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the names of all air travelers passing through U.S. airports, according to recent reporting.
This practice reportedly started in March 2025 and involves TSA sending passenger name lists to ICE multiple times per week. ICE then cross-references those names against its internal databases to identify individuals who may be subject to arrest, detention, or deportation under federal immigration law.
Both TSA and ICE operate under the Department of Homeland Security, and officials have described the arrangement as an extension of existing information-sharing practices.
A DHS spokesperson characterized the program as a continuation of prior security cooperation, stating that it is intended to help enforce immigration laws. Critics argue, however, that this represents a significant shift in TSA’s role, which has traditionally focused on aviation security rather than immigration enforcement.
Documents reviewed by journalists indicate that ICE has already used the passenger data to carry out arrests at U.S. airports. In one reported case, a college student was detained at Boston’s Logan Airport while preparing to board a flight to visit family for Thanksgiving.
ICE officers allegedly intercepted her at the gate after her name was flagged and deported her to Honduras two days later. Another arrest reportedly occurred at Salt Lake City International Airport under similar circumstances.
Former ICE officials familiar with the program have said that TSA has also shared additional passenger information, including photographs, flight numbers, and departure times.
This data can help immigration agents locate individuals inside secure airport areas. While airlines have long shared certain passenger information with TSA for screening purposes, such as terrorism watch list checks, TSA historically avoided direct involvement in routine law enforcement or immigration actions.
Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the implications of the policy for privacy and freedom of movement.
They warn that immigration enforcement actions inside airports could disrupt security operations, cause delays, and discourage travel among immigrant communities. Critics also argue that broad data sharing between federal agencies raises serious questions about surveillance and the expansion of government tracking of ordinary Americans.
End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.