Can immigration stop you at an airport?

Let's be clear. Undocumented immigrants can be detained at any time and for almost any reason. The more that an undocumented immigrant is in places where there are heightened security risks, like airports, the higher risk of detention.



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Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.

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Officials will review your required passenger travel documents (passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by a flight attendant during flight), immunization documentation, letters of confirmation or support, etc.)

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There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings: You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet. You were denied or delayed boarding. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.

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How not to be “That Guy” at the airport checkpoint
  1. Get there early. ...
  2. Consider checking your bag. ...
  3. If you must carry-on, make sure your bag is well-organized. ...
  4. Get the 411 on 3-1-1. ...
  5. If you must travel with it, know how to safely pack your gun. ...
  6. Be ready when you get in line. ...
  7. Get through the line faster with TSA PreCheck™.


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Apply for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.

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USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

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The TSA checks passengers' identity and whether a passenger has a boarding pass; generally, they are not screening for immigration status.

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United States (U.S.) law requires airlines operating flights to, from, or through the U.S. to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with certain passenger reservation data, referred to as Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which assists CBP in securing U.S. borders, ...

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Cellphone Searches | Digital Privacy | US Border Entry. Home » 3 Ways To Prepare For A Cellphone Search When Entering The U.S. U.S. immigration officers have broad authority to search travelers' luggage and belongings when they enter the United States. That authority extends to cellphones, laptop computers, and tablets ...

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There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings: You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet. You were denied or delayed boarding. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.

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