U.S. immigration authorities have arrested more than 800 individuals based on tips shared by federal airport security officials since the start of Donald Trump’s presidency through February 2026, according to internal data reviewed by Reuters. The figures show that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with records of more than 31,000 travelers for potential immigration enforcement—far exceeding previously known numbers.
The data highlights a shift in how information collected under TSA’s Secure Flight Program is being used. Originally designed in 2007 as a counterterrorism tool to screen passengers against government watchlists, the program is now aiding routine immigration enforcement. Both TSA and ICE operate under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which stated that current efforts aim to improve overall system security and efficiency, though it did not directly address questions about the data-sharing practice.
The revelations come amid political tensions over immigration enforcement at U.S. airports. Democrats have criticized the deployment of ICE officers to airports, warning it could create fear among travelers. Reports of unexpected arrests—including students, families, and long-term residents—have intensified scrutiny. Immigration attorneys cited cases of individuals detained during domestic travel, with some deportations separating families, underscoring the broader human impact of the policy shift.
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