Latest news with #TSA
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Is TSA checking immigration status?
Dozens of videos are making the rounds on TikTok, sparking concern that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now checking passengers' immigration status at security checkpoints. As a former Transportation Security Officer (TSO) who has made it my duty to share accurate information with the traveling public through my travel newsletter, Gate Access, I want to set the record straight: TSA does not verify immigration status as part of its security screening responsibilities. The TSA was created in response to the 9/11 attacks, with a single, critical mission: to ensure the safety of the traveling public by detecting and deterring threats to aviation. TSA officers are trained to verify that a passenger's identification matches their boarding pass and that they pass through appropriate screening for prohibited items. That's it. The idea that TSA officers are suddenly acting as immigration enforcement officers is both inaccurate and misleading. It also fosters unnecessary fear and confusion, particularly among immigrant communities. It's not uncommon for travelers and some media outlets to confuse the roles of TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Both agencies operate at airports, but they serve very different functions. CBP handles immigration enforcement and customs, typically at international arrivals. TSA, by contrast, is focused solely on aviation security screening. Secure Flight, TSA's passenger vetting program, compares your booking information against federal watchlists; it doesn't check your immigration status. Officers are tasked with ensuring your ID is valid and that you match your reservation, nothing more. Of course, but they're extremely limited. The only time immigration status might become relevant is if a person presents a fraudulent passport or lacks valid identification and self-identifies as a foreign national. In such cases, TSA doesn't make determinations about immigration status; rather, the situation may be referred to other law enforcement agencies who are properly trained and authorized to handle such matters. While immigration checks are not part of TSA's job, officers do have an obligation to report illegal activity if it's encountered during screening. That could include illicit drugs, weapons or false documents. When something appears unlawful or unsafe, TSA may contact airport police or federal partners. But that's a far cry from acting as immigration officers. If a TSA officer encounters something concerning, such as a suspicious package or a counterfeit ID, they may escalate the issue to airport law enforcement or the appropriate federal authorities. That includes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), if the situation warrants it. TSA doesn't take immigration enforcement into its own hands, nor is it equipped to do so. Behind the scenes, there has been a notable shift in how federal resources are being used to support immigration enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, including members of the Border Patrol, have increasingly been detailed to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with interior enforcement operations. A CBS News report confirmed that around 500 CBP personnel have been deployed to aid ICE in conducting arrests and deportations across the United States. This collaboration involves specialized CBP units, including the Office of Field Operations and Air & Marine Operations, which have been tasked with reinforcing joint efforts across jurisdictions. Additionally, within the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal employees, including TSA Federal Air Marshals, have been temporarily assigned to ICE for tasks like escorting detainees on removal flights. These deployments underscore a broader strategy by DHS to repurpose personnel and assets in support of interior immigration initiatives. While TSA's core responsibility remains aviation security, some of its specialized agents have been detailed to assist ICE under specific operational needs, reflecting the interconnected nature of DHS components while reaffirming that TSA's checkpoint duties do not include immigration enforcement. The bottom line? TSA is not checking your immigration status. That role belongs to other agencies. While TSA agents may call in legal personnel when they encounter something beyond their authority, this is standard protocol for any suspected criminal activity, not a targeted immigration crackdown.
Buzz Feed
13 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
38 Things If You Have A Vampiric Relationship With The Sun
Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops will help you fake that you spent the weekend taking in the sunshine instead of sick and holed up on your couch catching up on all the horror movies you've been meaning to watch. And at $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version, you might just go ahead and invest in a second or third bottle now. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and buildable! A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Lanolips SPF 30 lip balm for a nice, light, pineapple-y treat so you don't get back inside after a picnic and start wondering why your lips feel so tight. Your lips needs sunscreen too! But with this, it doesn't taste like you're wearing sunscreen. A "boardwalk"-scented spray SPF 30 in case you find yourself on an actual boardwalk during a go-with-the-flow just sipping some wine on a patio where you're DEF in direct sunlight. Oh, and it's in a vegan, water-resistant formula made to protect you for 80 minutes. A SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar for a K-beauty sun fix you can safely throw in your bag and then reapply on the go. It has a slightly curved bar for easier application (like in the GIF!) and matte effect, and won't leave a white cast in its wake. A set of cooling patches will work some soothing magic for a variety of uses including (perhaps most importantly), sunburn. But it'll also help with itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. And! They're TSA friendly. So you can probably leave your aloe vera gel at home for your next vacation. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum, which reviewers ADORE as a priming moisturizer. Because sometimes, when you're doing a full face and your SPF isn't built into another product, even the BEST sunscreen users can forget it! Oh, and there's zero white cast! Or standalone Bliss Block Star Face Sunscreen SPF 50's nongreasy formula will soak into skin so well — even if you're layering it under a full face of foundation (I should know). It's also sweat- and water-resistant, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, so it checks most of the boxes for what you could need in a face sunscreen. A TomboyX solar mesh tank that'll help keep you cool and dry thanks to its breathable UPF 50 protection material. So it'll work super well as a swim cover-up, workout top, or just a nice layer to keep you from pouring sweat while just being outside of your house! A reviewer-beloved, spacious beach tent with UPF 50+ protection (the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics) to give you ALL the shade at the beach because the beach CAN be great. You just gotta be prepared! A UPF 50 quick-dry long-sleeve swim top if your shoulders always ALWAYS get fried on beach vacations. Pull on this cute top and it won't be an issue! And if you prefer a little more coverage, some UPF 50+ swim capris built to help you jump some waves and engage in some serious seashell-hunting activities. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly! (I love to keep this in my purse all the time.) Or Kopari Sun Shield On-The-Glow Sheer Sunscreen Stick packs SPF 40 for a verrrrrrry glittery effect on your skin while keeping it from sizzling in the sun. I just used this at a Las Vegas music festival and got away (mostly) unscathed. (I got a little lazy at the end and missed a few little spots on one shoulder.) Burt's Bees after-sun soothing lotion because sometimes you get sunburned even when you think you're being great about reapplying sunblock. Or maybe you just recruited your laziest friend to help you reapply on your back. Both are highly possible! A fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach. But if you're landlocked, you still have lots of shady backyard ops to use it. A sturdy beach umbrella that reviewers say withstands the wind in case you're sick of renting an *essential* shady umbrella for every last beach day. A retro-look swim dress that, tbh, has no business being this cute. And! It has full shorts underneath so you don't have to worry about anything riding up at the least convenient time. If you wanna look beach-y without putting every last inch of your skin in the sun (bc sunburns), then this is a great bet. A packable floppy hat with a wide brim that'll provide some extra shade on walks, park days, whatever! A *tasteful* sunshade triangle rather than a canopy you can rig up over the patio or the kids' sandbox to block up to 95% of UV rays and keep things a bit cooler while you lounge in the shade. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. A zip-up one-piece with cute cap sleeves and a fun print if you can't stand on the beach 20 minutes without getting sunburned on your chest. Or, you just wanna get versatile with the amount of cleavage you show. A refillable sunscreen sponge applicator with a rollerball inside to make reapplication SO much easier. Even for your family members who always complain later after they avoided reapplication OR "reapplied" but somehow still have an extremely sunburnt stomach. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. Keeping the sun outta your face has never looked so cute. Self-Tanner will be super easy to apply and develops in an hour. Just because you coat on the SPF doesn't mean you can't have a nice summer tan! (Psst, self-tanner beginners say this vegan formula is easy to use with a nice, gradual fade.) Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 comes in a two-pack so you can know you'll be covered without FEELING like you're covered in greasy sun protection. Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray in SPF 30 can give you that been-outside-all-summer glow — even if the most light you've basked in has been the light of your phone three mere inches from your face as you scroll through TikTok at 3 a.m. A roomy beach bag with a waterproof section where you can stick your phone, Kindle, and other items that ABSOLUTELY cannot get wet. AND it'll have plenty of room for your sunscreen and sun hat. A waterproof pouch to throw your phone in on that day you decided to shock your friends by driving an hour to the river and going tubing in the sun. You can catch it all for the 'gram because this'll keep your phone dry *and* let you still use your touchscreen. I bring these on all my beach vacations and have taken some really cool underwater videos. A five-piece table set just begging to be paired with a chic umbrella because maybe you're ready to emerge from the air-conditioned outdoors. But you'd like to remain in the shade. Or a 15-foot lighted umbrella that'll tilt (literally) to your whims and give you the right amount of shade and light when/where you want it. A hanging lounge chair your dog will adore too — all the better to make a lil' oasis for yourself. (Even in the smallest of backyards!) Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray / Primer with SPF 30 to help you combine three beauty products into make your makeup waterproof for up to 16 hours. After all, if you're going to bother putting on makeup during the blistering heat of summer, you might as well make sure it stays PUT. If you're feeling splurgey, Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 45 delivers on some major glitz while blocking the sun's harmful rays. In case you've always thought, "I love how people look all glowy while oiled up!" but have gone for traditional SPF for obvious reasons, here's your sign to try this. A sand removal bag filled with talc-free, reef-friendly powder that'll help you brush off the scratchy stuff when it's time to reapply your sunscreen. Exfoliation scrubbing is happening LATER in the shower, not in between SPF layers on the beach, OK? Also, it'll be fab when it's time to the leave the beach and you don't want to track a bucket's worth of sand into your car. Supergoop! Shimmershade eyeshadow, an easy-to-use SPF 30 sunscreen, makes for a super easy summertime (or any time) routine. Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist to make sure that your precious hair part doesn't get burned while you're doing whatever you're doing outdoors. This also doesn't turn your roots or scalp a different color!
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Airports hate these sneaky hacks that can save travelers money this summer, experts say
Airports can seem over the top with their food and beverage prices — but according to travel experts at eShores, sometimes splurging will save you money in the long run. The experts claimed that travelers are wasting their money on 'unnecessary' add-ons for flights, such as early boarding and seat selection, when they should be allocating their money elsewhere. Instead of shelling out money on these frivolous options, the specialists advise spending on extras that will enhance the overall travel experience. Here are the expert-backed add-ons that are worth the splurge and the ones that should be avoided. The experts told the Daily Mail that lounge passes are worth the extra money. The eShore team claimed that the pricey cost of airport lounge access might end up being less money travelers would eventually spend on meals and drinks at the terminal. An airport meal can range from around $20 to $50, while access to a lounge can cost approximately $40 to $60 per person and includes so much more. Another pricey add-on worth looking into is fast-track security, which allows passengers to get their belongings checked in a separate private lane with a reduced wait time. Investing in a program like TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR, or sometimes even third-party services, will help passengers get to their lounge or gate faster. Day trip excursions are also worth the money, according to experts. Rather than paying for separate flights and accommodations while traveling, globetrotters can save a buck by booking an organized day trip. An excursion can offer benefits such as visiting multiple destinations at a cheaper price, which can also include meals and transport. While some perks are worth the money — many others aren't, such as early boarding. The eShore experts claim that paying extra for early boarding is 'rarely' an advantage, especially if a traveler already has an assigned seat. 'Early boarding doesn't guarantee faster departure times; you'll still disembark in the same order,' the experts told the outlet. 'Unless you have mobility needs or are travelling with very young children, it's money better spent on your actual holiday.' Some budget airlines charge passengers to choose their seats on a plane. But the experts claim this isn't worth the money — especially for short flights. 'For short-haul flights under two hours, for many people, being separated isn't the end of the world (and might even mean a bit of quiet time),' they explained. 'Unless you're flying with young children or sitting with your travel companion is a must, this is an easy cost to skip.' Unless you're going on a longer trip, paying for checked luggage might be a waste of money. The experts advise travelers going on a weekend getaway or trips that are just a few days long to skip checking a bag and instead utilize carry-ons. 'With smart packing techniques (think compression cubes and versatile outfits), everything you need for a long weekend or week-long city break can easily fit in hand luggage.'
USA Today
14 hours ago
- USA Today
TSA may pull you aside if you have these 4 letters on your boarding pass
TSA may pull you aside if you have these 4 letters on your boarding pass Show Caption Hide Caption What you need to know about airport security rules and checkpoints Here are TSA rules that you need to know and what to expect at each airport checkpoint. The code "SSSS" on a boarding pass stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection," requiring additional screening at TSA checkpoints. Reasons for the "SSSS" code can include last-minute ticket purchases, one-way cash payments, travel to specific countries, suspicious behavior, or random selection. Passengers with "SSSS" on their boarding pass should allow an extra 15-45 minutes for security screening. As the temperatures rise and the skies clear up, you might be looking forward to a summer vacation. But before flying to your destination, you'll have to go through screening at a TSA checkpoint. Loading and unloading your luggage during the process is a hassle. But TSA can also pull you aside for additional screening if they find something on your boarding pass. Here's what to know. What will happen if there's an 'SSSS' on your boarding pass If your boarding pass has "SSSS" on it, TSA will pull you aside for additional screening. "SSSS" stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection," which means you'll have to take an extra few steps beyond regular security protocols, according to Islands. This is not just for regular pass holders. Even those with a Trusted Traveler Program, such as Global Entry and TSA Precheck, or a CLEAR access purchase, may also be pulled for additional screening if they find those four letters on their boarding pass. Why is there an 'SSSS' on my boarding pass? The code can appear on anyone's boarding pass. A few common reasons for this group of letters include: Purchasing a last-minute ticket; Booking a direct one-way flight and paying in cash; Flying to or from a country flagged by the U.S. State Department; Raising suspicions at the airport; Selected at random. If you do find this quartet of letters on your boarding pass, allow 15–45 minutes of extra time to get through security at the airport. Annual traffic at airports in 2024 The TSA reported a total of 904,068,577 commercial passengers in 2024. That number was up from 858,548,196 passengers in 2023, according to TSA checkpoints. That's an increase of 5.3%. As of the end of May, 403,784,688 commercial passengers have passed through TSA checkpoints in 2025. Jim Ross contributed
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ready for Takeoff: Your Digital Passport Is Cleared to Fly
Save your passport in Apple Wallet starting this fall. Your iPhone or Apple Watch can display it. It will only be accepted for domestic soon? Now Apple users can take a passport with them digitally. Digital identification is approved at select TSA checkpoints now that REAL ID has been implemented; in response, Apple recently announced that it will offer Digital ID when it rolls out iOS 26 this fall. This new feature will let Apple fans seamlessly create and add a digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport. It can only be used for domestic travel; international travelers will still need to present a physical passport. There are also some limitations: The feature will require iPhone 8 or higher, iOS 16.5 or later in most states; California residents will need the iPhone XS or later and iOS 17.5 or later. Puerto Rican users will need iPhone XS and iOS 18.1 or higher. This feature will allow Apple Wallet to compete more effectively with Google Wallet, which recently announced support for both U.S. and U.K. a few limitations, Apple fans will be able to add U.S. passports to the Digital ID section of their Apple Wallets starting Fall 2025 with the release of iOS Master Apple Wallet: Add Boarding Passes for a Seamless Airport Experience Read the original article on Lifewire
