Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Congressman Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23) on Monday brought attention to what he says are vulnerabilities when it comes to airport security.
"Our Northern border is practically wide-open," said the Congressman, speaking at Buffalo Niagara International.
"Since the beginning of fiscal year 2024, the Northern border has seen a record number of illegal immigrants and drug seizures. Most notably, Customs and Border Patrol has seized nearly double the amount of fentanyl in the first four months of this fiscal year than they did throughout the entire fiscal year of 2023. This is the leading cause of death of Americans aged 18-to-45."
Congressman Langworthy says he is alarmed by the inconsistent enforcement and varied TSA requirements with charter travel, which are putting the flying public at risk, which is why he wrote a letter to TSA officials outlining his concerns.
"These flights have varied security screening measures, while major airlines follow the standardized security protocols. In a post 911 environment, we need to close any dangerous loopholes that exist that are putting the public safety at risk at a time when we don't know who's coming into our country."
Langworthy outlines reports regarding a process that TSA uses for immigrants who don't have ID.
"I've seen reports that show that TSA is permitting illegal aliens without identification to opt for an alternative ID verification process utilizing a mobile phone app that takes illegal aliens at their word about certain data collection and allows them to obtain DHS documents in fly out of airports.
Now, that means, in practice, it's more difficult for a legal American citizen to board a commercial flight than it is for an illegal immigrant. Under this policy, anyone could be getting on these flights, terrorists, cartel members, and other criminals with fake identities. This isn't safeguarding the flying public, this isn't safeguarding our country. This is making us more vulnerable for crime and attack."
Langworthy is calling on the Biden administration to prioritize air travel safety for the American public.
"The Department of Homeland Security is failing our nation at every level. It's time for decisive action and leadership in meaningful changes to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security fulfills its duty to protect and defend the American people."