- The Transportation Security Administration has discontinued the use of the CBP One app as a means of identification for migrants to board domestic flights. Only migrants traveling for self-deportation are exempt.
- Homeland Security officials raised concerns about the security risks posed by allowing migrants illegally in the U.S. to fly without formal identification.
- Immigration advocates warn that the policy change will place added pressure on border communities, forcing more migrants to rely on ground transportation.
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that immigrants illegally in the U.S. will no longer be allowed to use the CBP One app as identification for domestic flights. The only exception is for individuals traveling for self-deportation or transferring between detention facilities.
The CBP One app was designed to streamline Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services.
ALERT: TSA has discontinued the use of the CBP One app. Illegal aliens who previously had their identity established using CBP One will only be permitted into the checkpoint if TSA can determine the purpose of travel is for deportation or movement between detention facilities 1/2
— TSA (@TSA) February 25, 2025
Under President Joe Biden, the app’s functionality expanded to allow migrants to schedule asylum appointments. However, with a new directive in place, that capability has been removed, and the app has since been rebranded as CBP Go.
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Homeland Security concerns over improper vetting
Homeland Security officials raised concerns about the vetting process for migrants using the app. A recent report warned that high-risk individuals were entering the U.S. without identification and then traveling freely on domestic flights.
The Trump administration argued that allowing migrants to fly without formal identification posed a security threat, echoed in one inspector general report from last year.
San Diego airport’s terminal two, once filled with migrants waiting for flights to sponsors or desired destinations, now stands empty.
Immigration lawyers voice opposition to TSA’s decision
Immigration attorneys warn that the policy change will create additional burdens for migrants and border communities. Without the ability to fly, many asylum-seekers will have to rely on ground transportation or stay in border cities while awaiting court dates.
“This is going to cause a lot of heartache and hardship for asylum-seekers,” immigration attorney Margaret Cargioli said. “Many will have to find alternative ways to travel.”
Attorney Jacob Sapochnick echoed similar concerns, stating, “If you want to board a flight, it’s going to be out of the U.S., not to move around freely. They want to make the lives of undocumented migrants more complicated, obviously.”
