WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is taking action to prevent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) from allowing illegal immigrants to use immigration enforcement documents, such as arrest warrants, as identification when boarding commercial flights.
Boozman joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and other colleagues to introduce the Strengthening Enforcement to Curtail Unlawful, Risky Entrance to Flights Act, or SECURE Flights Act of 2022.
“The Biden administration’s open-border policies and incompetence continue to produce outrageous results,” Boozman said. “Americans are right to be shocked by reports of illegal immigrants boarding airplanes using arrest warrants as proof of their identities. Our bill puts an end to this absurd practice, prioritizes safety and stands up for the rule of law.”
“The rule of law went out the window when the Biden administration took office,” Rubio said. “It is dangerous and deranged to allow illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants to board commercial flights and travel throughout our country.”
The Secure Flights Act would clarify DHS-issued documents, such as arrest or deportation warrants, are not valid for commercial airline travel. Further, if a traveler presents one of those documents, the bill requires TSA agents to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement to determine whether the individual is in violation of any terms of release. If the individual is found to be in violation, he or she will not be allowed to fly, with an exception if the individual is traveling for purposes of self-deportation.
In a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Boozman demanded the administration end this practice. “It’s a reckless policy that threatens the safety of air travelers and all citizens.”
U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Rounds (R-IN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Jim Risch (R-ID) are also cosponsors of the SECURE Flights Act.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX).
Source: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0D16B80A-96EA-4808-8F7D-4E8E30CE18D0
