Immigration Enforcement Efforts in Domestic U.S. Travel
Several media outlets have reported expanded ICE activity at US airports including speculation that that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its use of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger data to target domestic air travelers, raising risks for both undocumented individuals and certain nonimmigrant visa holders. Reports indicate that TSA’s Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) program, which collects and transmits personal details such as full legal name, date of birth, gender, and travel document numbers, is now being used to verify immigration status against DHS databases. While TSA does not transmit all data directly to ICE, it appears to be “checking against information” to support DHS enforcement missions. Detentions have been confirmed at 15 major U.S. airports including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Reagan National etc. across the US.
Recent DHS directives have ended domestic flight protections for undocumented travelers and certain visa holders, allowing ICE to detain those with “unresolved” immigration status and expired I-94s — including people with pending USCIS applications (e.g., I‑485, asylum) or valid employment authorization documents. The expanded data sharing means travelers must carry all immigration documentation and be prepared to respond to questions regarding your status. ICE agents use TSA’s pre‑boarding passenger manifest data to identify travelers with unresolved status. Plainclothes agents may approach travelers at check‑in, gates, or jet bridges, often before boarding, questioning immigration history.
Domestic US air travel could now involve more risk for international students and scholars with an expired I-94 as well as individuals who are in the middle of a pending extension or change of status. We wish to remind students and scholar to carry all of their immigration documents (including but not limited to passport, visa, I-94, I-20, DS-2019, EAD, I-797 etc. depending on your particular status) during domestic travel. In addition, we encourage you to check in with your ISSO advisor to evaluate your immigration documents and your possible risk. While ISSO cannot provide any guarantees, we can help review your documentation and help you to evaluate your risk tolerance regarding domestic travel plans at this time.