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Apr 27 2026
Air travel within the United States has become more uncertain for many immigrants, even for those with valid legal status or pending applications.
Although all travelers are inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entering the country, in recent months there have been reports of stricter scrutiny at airports and border crossings, including the detention of permanent residents and people with valid visas.
This context coincides with a tightening in the enforcement of immigration policies and increased information sharing between federal agencies. Experts note that the level of risk varies by case, but recommend staying informed, reviewing your immigration situation, and preparing before traveling.
In recent years, several organizations have warned of increased coordination between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), both under the Department of Homeland Security.
This cooperation includes the sharing of passenger data through programs such as Secure Flight, originally created for security purposes but which can also be used to identify individuals with deportation orders or other immigration issues.
According to a Reuters report, more than 800 people were arrested between 2025 and 2026 after being identified through information shared by TSA. Organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center have also reported cases of airport detentions linked to the use of this data.
Although reports of detentions at airports have increased, there is no federal prohibition that prevents undocumented individuals from taking domestic flights. However, this does not mean that it is completely safe. The level of risk varies depending on each case, so experts recommend consulting with an attorney before traveling.
TSA requires valid identification to board. Among the commonly accepted documents are:
People with DACA, TPS, or visas can travel within the country if their status is valid. Even so, any interaction with authorities can lead to additional inspections, especially if there is prior immigration history or inconsistencies in status.
To see the full list of identification types accepted by the TSA, click here
Although any non-citizen may face some level of risk, there are groups with a higher likelihood of being detained:
They have the highest risk, even if:
To verify if you have a deportation order, you can check your case with your A-number in the system of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) or call 1-800-898-7180.
This includes:
Even if you have started a legal process, you may still be at risk. This includes:
Any criminal history can increase risk, even if:
Immigration law may consider certain situations as “convictions” even if they do not appear that way. It is key to consult with an attorney.
Although they have more protection, they can be detained if:
Having DACA or another form of deferred action does not eliminate risk. Detentions have been reported even in these cases, especially at airports.
The authority to review electronic devices is not the same at the border as on domestic flights.
The Transportation Security Administration is mainly responsible for security. It may ask you to turn on your phone or computer, but it usually does not have the authority to demand passwords or review personal content without legal cause.
However, if other agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement intervene, the situation may change.
Customs and Border Protection has much broader authority and can inspect electronic devices, sometimes without a warrant. They may also request that you unlock your phone or provide passwords.
The consequences depend on your immigration status. Citizens and permanent residents cannot be denied entry for refusing, although they may face delays. In contrast, people with visas or other temporary status may be denied entry if they refuse, according to the ACLU.
If your device is retained, it is recommended to:
According to UCLA:
Keep in mind that at borders and international airports, different and stricter rules apply.
Carry copies of:
Given the exchange of data between agencies:
The NILC recommends avoiding exposing unnecessary information:
The ACLU points out that during additional inspections at airports you may not have immediate access to an attorney, so preparation is key.
NILC also warns that if you are detained, ICE will not share information about your case with anyone unless you have signed this specific privacy waiver form. For that reason, they advise signing one or more of these forms and leaving them with a loved one.
Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement has policies to protect the right of parents to make decisions about their children, these are not always applied consistently.
One way to protect your children is to establish temporary guardianships so that a trusted adult or friend can care for them if you are detained. This resource from Children Thrive Action Network contains useful information: “Staying Whole: A Love Letter to Immigrant Parents”
Experts point out that travelers can also request an interpreter if they need language assistance during inspections. They emphasize that this is very important because the questions you are asked and your answers will often determine the outcome of the situation. Even if authorities do not provide an interpreter, it is useful to leave a record that you requested one.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Spanish and translated into English