A daughter of the U.S. Transportation Secretary has publicly called the TSA a “constitutional agency” and said her father would take drastic action if he could.
An Invasive Experience
Evita Duffy-Alfonso posted on X that she nearly missed her flight after refusing a body scan because she was pregnant and worried about radiation exposure. She waited 15 minutes for a pat-down and described the TSA agents as “rude” and as having “tried to pressure” her into walking through the scanner. She called the encounter an “absurdly invasive” pat-down.
A Call to Action
In a subsequent post, Duffy-Alfonso said her father, Secretary Sean Duffy, would “radically limit” or “lobby Congress to abolish” the TSA if it were under his control. She added that the agency is “unconstitutional” and “not even good at its job,” and that the “golden age of transportation” cannot begin until the TSA is gone.
TSA Responds
On Friday, the TSA released a statement saying it is aware of Duffy-Alfonso’s complaint. The agency said, “TSA takes complaints about airport security screening procedures seriously and investigates complaints thoroughly to ensure the correct procedures are applied.” The statement did not address the specific allegations of pressure or rudeness.
Department of Transportation’s Position
The Department of Transportation declined to comment on Duffy-Alfonso’s claims. The department is responsible for the Federal Aviation Administration and for setting safety regulations for all major modes of transportation, but it does not oversee the TSA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Duffy-Alfonso’s Clarifications
In a follow-up post, Duffy-Alfonso clarified that she supports President Donald Trump and the Department of Homeland Security, but she said, “there needs to be more common sense around how we treat Americans exercising their right to travel.” She did not mention any specific policy changes beyond her earlier statements.
TSA Screening Procedures
The TSA website states that passengers can request a private screening as an alternative to the body scanner. It also warns that “sufficient pressure must be applied in order to ensure detection” because a “pat-down screening is conducted to determine whether prohibited items are concealed under clothing.”
The Context of the TSA
The TSA was created after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to screen passengers, bags and cargo for weapons or explosives. Despite its role, critics have long questioned its effectiveness and the necessity of its invasive procedures.
The Broader Debate
Duffy-Alfonso’s post reflects a broader debate about airport security and the balance between safety and individual rights. Her remarks about the TSA being an unconstitutional agency echo concerns that have been raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Key Takeaways
- Evita Duffy-Alfonso alleges an invasive pat-down and says her father would abolish the TSA.
- The TSA acknowledges the complaint but offers no specific response to the allegations of pressure or rudeness.
- The Department of Transportation, which does not oversee the TSA, declined to comment.
- The TSA allows private screenings and emphasizes the need for sufficient pressure during pat-downs.
Closing Thoughts
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over airport security procedures and the role of federal agencies in safeguarding travelers. Whether Duffy-Alfonso’s calls for drastic action will influence policy remains to be seen, but the conversation about the TSA’s future continues to intensify.
