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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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A House Democrat has introduced legislation that would bar the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using Transportation Security Administration passenger data to carry out immigration enforcement activities, following reports of increased immigration arrests at U.S. airports.
Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, introduced the No TSA Data for ICE Act on August 3. The bill would prohibit DHS from accessing or using TSA information, including passenger data, to carry out functions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It also would prohibit the government from removing people from certain trusted traveler programs because of activity protected by the First Amendment.
The proposal follows reporting by The New York Times in December 2025 that the TSA was providing ICE with passenger information for immigration enforcement, and the July 2026 public disclosure by American Oversight of a 2025 TSA–ICE information-sharing agreement, obtained through litigation under the Freedom of Information Act.
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In a statement to Newsweek, a DHS spokesperson sharply criticized the legislation and its sponsor, framing the bill as a threat to national security: “As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific terror attacks of 9/11, it’s not shocking that some in the Democrat Party would want to neuter the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to protect Americans from terrorists. DHS was established to prevent information silos that could create blind spots against threats. Does Rep. Tlaib want our enemies to be empowered to attack the U.S. again?
“Information sharing between ICE and TSA is essential in identifying who is attempting to travel in our country, including violent criminals, to keep our skies and our country safe.
“DHS reversed the horrendous Biden‑era policy that allowed aliens in our country illegally to jet around our country. Under President Trump, DHS will no longer tolerate this. This administration is working diligently to ensure that aliens in our country illegally can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self‑deport.
“Global Entry or other CBP Trusted Traveler Program memberships are not revoked because someone exercises their First Amendment rights. Membership may be denied or revoked for reasons such as criminal activity (including pending charges or warrants), violations of customs or immigration laws, or inability to demonstrate low‑risk traveler status.”
They added that individuals who believe their revocation was made in error can request a review through the Trusted Traveler Programs website, and that denial from Global Entry “does not prevent travel.”
Meanwhile, TSA spokesperson said: “As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific terror attacks of 9/11, it’s not shocking that some in the Democrat Party would want to neuter the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to protect Americans from terrorists. DHS was established to prevent information silos that could create blind spots against threats. Does Rep. Tlaib want our enemies to be empowered to attack the U.S. again?”
Regarding Rep. Tlaib’s accusations, TSA added: “TSA is proud to support our DHS partners in our shared mission to secure the homeland. SOPD Administrator McNeill’s testimony confirms that commitment.”
What Would The Bill Ban?
DHS would be barred from accessing or using TSA information, either directly or indirectly, for ICE or CBP operations, according to the bill text. The measure also would prohibit the department from denying, suspending or terminating participation in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and other trusted traveler programs because of an individual's constitutionally protected speech or activities.
Tlaib's office said the legislation was prompted by reports that TSA has shared passenger names, dates of birth and other information with ICE, resulting in a "surge of arrests at airports."
A New York Times investigation found the Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement at airports, with ICE agents making arrests at check-in counters and departure gates after obtaining passenger information through government databases.
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Congresswoman Tlaib's office said immigrants seeking to adjust their status, awaiting visa extensions, or recently married to U.S. citizens have been among those arrested.
“TSA is complicit in ICE expanding its chaos and cruelty to target our communities in our airports and has been openly lying about it,” said Tlaib. “Through an information-sharing agreement signed in 2025, TSA is readily offering up our immigrant residents to suffer at the hands of ICE agents so they can fulfill their daily arrest quota. One source from ICE even said it makes for ‘easy targets’ at airports—a disgusting exploitation of immigrants in status limbo. Immigrants should be able to safely fly in this country without the fear of arrest or deportation.”
The bill would define "specified information" as information obtained from TSA as well as personally identifiable information about airline passengers acquired from private-sector data brokers. Under the proposal, DHS could not access or use such information for immigration enforcement purposes.
What's Next?
The legislation has 25 Democratic cosponsors and no Republican cosponsors, according to Congress.gov. It was referred to committee following its introduction.
The bill is unlikely to advance while Republicans control both chambers of Congress, though its prospects could change if control of either chamber shifts following the midterms.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Cannon and Gray R. Thomas
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