Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has initiated an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) handling of airport security and the vetting of illegal aliens, citing concerns over potential security threats arising from the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies.

Cruz's inquiry follows reports that multiple airports have housed illegal aliens, with 435,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela being flown into the U.S. without proper vetting. One such individual was later arrested in Massachusetts for aggravated rape. Additionally, DHS disclosed that an ISIS-affiliated group had smuggled 400 illegal aliens into the country, with at least 50 still unaccounted for.

In a letter addressing these issues, Sen. Cruz wrote: “Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) procedures for screening and vetting aliens traveling through, and living in, U.S. airports have failed.” He noted that between fiscal years 2021 and 2023, DHS improperly released at least 383 inadmissible travelers from custody at one U.S. international airport alone.

He also highlighted that between March 2023 and April 2024, at least 300 people bypassed TSA protocols and accessed secure airport areas, some even boarding planes. Cruz underscored the heightened threat environment cited by FBI Director Christopher Wray to Congress: “He was ‘hard pressed to think of a time when so many different threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated at once.’”

Cruz questioned whether DHS is adequately securing airports amid these challenges: “DHS, particularly TSA, must explain how it is responding to the serious ways in which the administration’s open border policies are undermining airport security and Americans’ safety.”

Senator Cruz detailed concerns regarding nearly 435,000 individuals who entered the U.S. via the CHNV parole program from October 2022 to April 2024. According to internal DHS documents, nearly 96% of those who received appointments through the CBP One app were released into the U.S., despite assurances of rigorous screening processes.

The senator further pointed out that some cities housing aliens in airports pose additional risks. He cited incidents such as an Ecuadorian individual breaking into a secure area at JFK Airport armed with scissors and a box cutter.

Finally, he emphasized that improperly vetted aliens crossing borders increase risks within domestic airports: "The Biden administration has released countless illegal aliens into the country’s interior without identification."

The letter concludes by requesting documents related to DHS's ability to ensure airport security and consider legislative reforms if necessary.

This investigation builds on Sen. Cruz’s ongoing scrutiny of security vulnerabilities linked to border policies:

- In October 2023, he called on TSA Administrator David Pekoske to halt air marshals' deployment to the southern border.

- In December 2023, he addressed TSA's policy allowing illegal aliens to fly with de facto fake IDs.

- In January 2024, Senate Commerce Committee Republicans sought answers from Chicago officials about using O’Hare and Midway Airports for housing illegal aliens.

- In March 2024, Republican Senators expanded their probe into sanctuary airports' practices.

- Also in March 2024, they contacted FAA officials regarding resource redirection compromising airport security.

###