Under a previously undisclosed program, the Transportation Security Administration would regularly share passenger lists with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing ICE to identify and detain individuals at airports who are subject to deportation. Now, the Trump administration has expanded data sharing between federal agencies by providing immigration officials with the names of all air travelers to help enforce deportation orders. Under the new policy, anyone who travels domestically will have their information shared with ICE officials.
This marks a significant shift from ICE’s past practice of avoiding domestic travel enforcement. It reflects broader efforts by the administration to increase interagency cooperation and to pursue its goal of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Other Policies to Consider When Traveling
Beyond airline passenger data, the Trump administration has also widened the scope of information used in immigration decisions. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has policies in place allowing officials to monitor immigrants’ publicly available social media profiles for what it characterizes as “anti-American” activity.
When combined with travel data, this creates a more comprehensive profile of individuals that can be used during visa reviews, green card applications, asylum cases, or enforcement actions. These developments raise significant concerns about privacy, free expression, and due process.
Contact a Deportation Attorney Today
Although facing the possibility of deportation is scary, we highly advise immigrants to remain cooperative with local law officers and to proactively contact deportation attorneys.
Reeves Immigration Law Group has served immigrants and their loved ones for 40 years, obtaining success even in the most complex cases. Whether you are concerned about you and your family’s legal rights, or facing possible detainment or deportation, our team of immigration lawyers can provide expert advice on how to move forward and are prepared to do everything in our power to fight for your rights to remain in the U.S.
Contact us today to speak with a deportation defense lawyer regarding your specific concerns. We promise to be by your side through it all because we believe in making a difference in the lives of others and our community.
