A recent report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reveals that noncitizens without identification are being allowed to board domestic flights, raising serious concerns about public safety. 

The OIG report, which reviews federal agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), highlights that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have failed to mitigate risks posed by individuals whose identities cannot be confirmed.

The report states, “CBP and ICE cannot ensure they are keeping high-risk noncitizens without identification from entering the country,” and “TSA cannot ensure its vetting and screening procedures prevent high-risk noncitizens who may pose a threat to the flying public from boarding domestic flights.”

Between fiscal years 2021 and 2023, the OIG found that immigration officers were not required to document whether noncitizens presented identification, creating gaps in the data regarding how many entered the country without ID. The report also emphasizes that noncitizens who are released into the U.S. can travel domestically on flights without TSA-approved identification, relying instead on DHS-issued documents.

The OIG’s findings have led to increased concerns about national security, particularly since some noncitizens are allowed to fly after only providing self-reported biographical information. The report concludes that CBP and ICE have not conducted comprehensive risk assessments for these individuals. Despite the severity of these issues, DHS agencies have not agreed with the OIG’s recommendations, prompting further scrutiny of the administration’s immigration and security policies.