Cloud & Republican Lawmakers Raise Concerns about DHS Allowing Illegal Immigrants to Board Flights without Documents

Demand answers from DHS about release of dangerous aliens without required court date

WASHINGTON— Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy Ranking Member Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Oversight and Reform Committee Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and several Republican lawmakers today wrote U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas demanding information about the use of domestic flights to transport illegal immigrants into America’s interior. Given federal law requires adequate identification to board domestic flights, the Republicans are concerned about the vetting of illegal immigrants and any type of documents provided to them to fly domestically into the interior of the United States, especially when they are not issued a document to appear in court for immigration removal proceedings.

“Tens of thousands of illegal border crossers have been released by the Department of Homeland Security into the United States in recent months without even a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “We are concerned about the vetting requirements for recent illegal border crossers that have been and will continue to be released into the interior of the country, as well as whether those individuals possess adequate credentials to permit them to board domestic flights in the United States.”

“It is unclear what documents or other credentials are provided to recent illegal border crossers who are released by the DHS who may go on to board domestic flights, particularly when they are not issued a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. This is particularly troubling considering that it is not uncommon for DHS personnel to encounter and apprehend sex offenders, gang members, and terrorists,” the Republican lawmakers added.

The Republicans are requesting the total number of illegal immigrants apprehended and then released from DHS custody since President Biden took office as well as an explanation of any documents provided to illegal immigrants, including identification credentials, to allow them to board domestic flights.

The full text of the letter can be found here.