ICE uses TSA data to arrest migrants: more than 800 cases

• ICE uses TSA data to carry out arrests
• More than 800 detained
• Controversial use of records

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 800 people from the start of Donald Trump’s presidency through February 2026.

The figure comes from internal data reviewed by Reuters. The number is significantly higher than what was previously known publicly.

The arrests stemmed from information shared by airport security officials.

Specifically, the data came from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

ICE and migrant arrests: the agency uses TSA data revealed

Reuters says ICE arrested 800+ people after tips from TSA’s Secure Flight program, originally built to flag possible terrorism threats. More than 31,000 traveler records were shared with ICE through Feb. 2026. #YallaTV #ICE #TSA #USNews pic.twitter.com/fJDet4PK3p

— Yalla TV (@YallaTv1) April 7, 2026

According to the report, the TSA provided records of more than 31,000 travelers to ICE.

These records were used for potential immigration enforcement actions.

Reuters could not confirm how many arrests occurred inside airports.

However, the information was mainly used to identify when individuals would be traveling.

ICE uses TSA counterterrorism data for immigration enforcement

ICE arrested 800 people thanks to tips from TSA. On top of that, TSA handed over records on more than 31,000 travelers for possible immigration enforcement.

This is exactly what we voted for.

Did people really think other DHS agencies wouldn’t share information with ICE? pic.twitter.com/MgYcW6wNMv

— Kim «Katie» USA (@KimKatieUSA) April 7, 2026

The program that generated the passenger data used by ICE was the TSA’s Secure Flight Program. The TSA created this system in 2007.

Its original purpose was to detect terrorism-related threats.

It checks passenger information against government watchlists.

It was not designed to track immigration law violators.

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Despite this, its use changed over the past year.

ICE and TSA are both part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Historically, they shared information related to national security.

But under the current administration, the focus expanded.

It now includes routine immigration arrests.

This comes as part of Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

The DHS did not directly respond to whether TSA shares data with ICE.

Instead, it stated that it seeks to improve system security and efficiency.

ICE airport arrest cases spark public reaction

Some ICE airport arrests have drawn criticism. One case involved a university student.

He was detained while traveling from Boston to Texas in November. Another case involved a mother at San Francisco airport.

She was arrested one day before new airport measures were deployed.

The DHS defended both cases. It stated that the individuals had final deportation orders.

Immigration lawyers confirmed more similar situations. Reuters interviewed three attorneys familiar with these ICE airport arrest cases.

One described the detention of an Irish couple. They had lived in the United States for more than two decades.

They were arrested in front of their children after a family trip. They were attempting to fly from Florida to New York.

According to attorney Christina Canty, they were deported. Their children remained in the country under relatives’ care.

Arrests linked to deportation orders

Another case involved a Chinese woman. She had a final removal order, according to USA Today.

She was also applying for permanent residency. She was detained at the Atlanta airport.

She was traveling to Philadelphia when the arrest occurred. Lawyers stated that these cases are not isolated.

They reflect a growing pattern in airports. ICE use of passenger data has facilitated arrests.

Especially in identifying travel moments. There are no previous figures comparable to the current administration.

This limits the ability to evaluate the change in practice. What the data does show is a clear increase.

More than 800 arrests linked to airport information. A strategy that redefines the use of security tools.