Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.
“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said.“The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”
This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read that letter here.
“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.”
Upon request, Jacobs' office provided The Batavian with a copy of the TSA communication to Rep Lance Gooden, which confirms the TSA does allow the use of arrest warrants for ID. To download a copy, click here (PDF).
