Former Yuma Sector Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem breaks down the immigration crisis on Americas Newsroom. FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Wednesday wrote to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas seeking more information about the screening of migrants who have come through the border via the CBP One app and are seeking to board flights.
In his letter to Mayorkas, Cruz expresses concern about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allowing illegal aliens without proper identification to utilize the CBP One app’s alternate identity verification process. He criticizes the agency for applying different standards to American citizens and illegal aliens, raising alarm over potential security risks.
According to Cruz, around 1,600 migrants a day are being paroled into the U.S. through ports of entry using the CBP One app. This app allows migrants to upload photographs and other information, schedule appointments, and obtain DHS documents. Even if migrants lack a passport or other identification, they can still be paroled into the U.S. and potentially board flights without proper verification.
Cruz highlights the potential risks associated with this process, stating that TSA may use unverified names and dates of birth from the CBP One app to verify the identity of migrants at security checkpoints. He raises concerns about terrorists or criminals traveling under fake identities and the potential for inadequate vetting.
The senator also criticizes the disparity between the cost burden on American citizens, who have to pay for governmental IDs at DMVs or the State Department, and the free verification process for migrants. He requests documents and information regarding the use of alternate identification by TSA, the circumstances under which it can be used, and the impact on American citizens.
This is not the first time Republicans have raised concerns about migrants, both illegal immigrants and those paroled, boarding aircraft with limited identification. Last year, TSA Administrator David Pekoske faced scrutiny during a Senate hearing over a policy allowing the use of warrants as an alternative form of identification for illegal immigrants. Pekoske clarified that this marked the beginning of a further verification process and stated that “under 1,000” individuals had been allowed to travel using warrants.
In response to Cruz’s letter, DHS has been contacted for comment. The concerns raised by Cruz shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and border security. As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, immigration policies are likely to remain a key topic of discussion.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security, contributed to this article. For more updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and other political content, subscribe to our newsletter.
