Warning: Domestic Travel in the U.S. Is No Longer Safe for Many Immigrants — What You Must Know
Domestic air travel used to feel like a routine part of life — a way to visit family, attend school, go to work, or travel between cities. But as of late 2025, even domestic flights are no longer a safe haven for immigrants. In fact, the U.S. government has dramatically shifted how it uses airport security systems to identify and detain immigrants — including people who may legally be in the country. If you are an immigrant, green card holder, asylum seeker, visa holder, or undocumented individual, you must understand how these changes affect your safety and rights when traveling within the United States.
- Why Domestic Travel Is Risky for Immigrants in 2025
New Information Sharing Between TSA and ICE
In 2025, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began providing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the names of all passengers booked on domestic flights. Previously, TSA focused only on aviation security — things like weapons and threats to flight safety. Now, TSA is regularly sending passenger lists multiple times per week to ICE so they can cross-check names against immigration enforcement databases.
This means that if your name appears in an ICE database — whether because of a removal order, an outstanding case, or even an old immigration matter — ICE can now be alerted before your trip even begins.
A recent high-profile example involved a young woman who was detained at Boston’s Logan Airport and deported to Honduras after her name was flagged through this information-sharing system.
TSA Now Plays a Role in Immigration Enforcement
Traditionally, TSA did not enforce immigration law. Its role was strictly aviation security. But in 2025, the agency expanded its function so that it now assists ICE by identifying travelers who may be subject to immigration enforcement.
This shift fundamentally changes the nature of domestic travel:
- ✔ People may be detained at security checkpoints.
- ✔ ICE may be waiting at your gate.
- ✔ Travelers can be taken into custody before they ever board the plane.
This is especially true for immigrants who do not carry Government-issued identification accepted under the new rules or whose status is in question — even if they have asylum cases pending or legal immigration processes underway.
- What This Means for Immigrants
Domestic Flights Are No Longer “Safe”
If you are traveling:
✔ You could be identified by ICE through passenger lists.
✔ You could be detained before boarding.
✔ You could be placed in removal proceedings or deported.
This is true even if you have legal status and are not subject to deportation, especially when government databases are inaccurate or outdated. ICE has already deported people who were legally present because information systems misidentified them.
Non-citizens Without Certain IDs Are Especially Vulnerable
TSA and ICE’s actions make it riskier for:
- Asylum seekers traveling to immigration hearings
- People with pending immigration cases
- Those who use temporary or alternate forms of ID
- Mixed-status families traveling together
Even with legal documentation, the risk is real — and the consequences can be severe.
- Your Rights and Safeguards
Even in this heightened enforcement environment, you do not lose your legal rights:
Know Your Rights at the Airport
✔ You have the right to remain silent.
✔ You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
✔ You have the right to ask if you are free to go.
✔ If ICE detains you, you have the right to legal representation.
These rights apply whether you are undocumented, have a pending application, or hold a green card. However, exercising those rights in the middle of a security checkpoint encounter can be incredibly stressful — which is why preparation matters.
- What to Do Before You Travel
Carry Valid Government-Issued ID
If you plan to travel domestically:
✔ Bring a valid state Real ID or passport
✔ Ensure immigration documents (green card, visa, work permit) are current
✔ Have contact info for your immigration attorney readily available
Without proper ID, TSA can delay you, and ICE may become involved under the new policies — even for routine travel.
Talk to an Immigration Attorney Before You Book
Before you make any travel plans — including flights, buses, or trains — consult with a qualified immigration attorney who understands current enforcement trends. This is not just best practice — it’s crucial for your safety and legal strategy.
- When You Encounter Authorities
If you are stopped:
✔ Stay calm
✔ Ask if you are free to go
✔ Do not sign anything without an attorney
✔ Invoke your right to legal representation
You should memorize or carry basic phrases asserting your rights under U.S. law — and you should never discuss your immigration status with officers without counsel.
- Alternatives to Air Travel
In light of these developments, some immigrants are opting for:
- Bus travel
- Train travel
- Driving with proper ID
These alternatives still involve encounters with law enforcement, but they may carry lower risk of ICE surveillance triggered by TSA flight data sharing.
- Final Words: Stay Informed, Stay Protected
The landscape of domestic travel for immigrants in the United States has changed dramatically in 2025. What was once considered safe — traveling by airplane within U.S. borders — can now expose you to immigration enforcement.
You do not have to navigate this alone.
As an experienced immigration lawyer, I help immigrants understand these risks and protect their rights in a system that’s changing faster than ever.
📞 If you need guidance before traveling, contact Alena Shautsova deportation law office at 917-885-2261 — we can help you plan and protect your legal status.
