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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Saturday that Transportation Security Administration operations at Miami International Airport have prevented more than 10,000 individuals with suspected ties to narcoterrorism from traveling over the past year. Speaking at a news conference held at the airport, Noem added that an additional 85,000 people linked to terrorism or listed on the U.S. terrorism watch list were also stopped from boarding flights.
“What has happened here at this airport is that over the last year they have prevented over 10,000 individuals from traveling that had ties to narcoterrorism, 85,000 individuals that had similar ties to terrorists and to terrorists on the watch list in the United States,” Noem said.
The DHS Secretary highlighted Miami International Airport’s specialized human trafficking unit, which conducted more than 2,200 inspections during the past year, resulting in 24 arrests related to child exploitation. The unit also confiscated 85 firearms from travelers, with 82 of them loaded at the time of discovery.
“It’s incredible the work that they have done to keep people safe, which is the mission that the Department of Homeland Security seeks to do every single day,” Noem remarked.
Miami International Airport stands as one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, employing more than 1,700 TSA officers and serving an average of 70,000 passengers daily. The airport recently set a new record when it screened nearly 100,000 travelers in a single day on January 4. According to Noem, more than 25 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2025.
As passenger numbers continue to surge, Noem pointed to a $9 billion airport modernization project designed to strengthen security infrastructure. The TSA is contributing $100 million to the initiative, complementing DHS’s previously announced $1 billion nationwide investment in upgraded security technology.
The modernization plans include expanding canine units, implementing advanced computed tomography scanners, and enhancing imaging systems. These investments are particularly critical as the United States prepares to host major global events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“That billion dollars will make sure that we continue to keep America safe,” Noem emphasized.
During the press conference, Noem was questioned about the potential release of body camera footage related to Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and licensed concealed-carry holder who was killed earlier this month during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.
“The FBI is leading the investigation, and as it goes forward, that will be at their discretion,” she responded.
The Secretary also addressed concerns regarding the upcoming expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, stating that the program was never intended to be permanent and accusing the previous Biden administration of misusing it.
“Any individual who is from a country where TPS is expiring has an opportunity to appeal that and to look at other programs that they may qualify for, and they have a number of months to do that,” Noem explained. “They should reach out to the State Department, they should reach out to the Department of Homeland Security, and we will help them with that.”
The developments at Miami International Airport reflect broader efforts by DHS to enhance transportation security across the United States. Aviation security has remained a top priority for federal authorities since the September 11 attacks, with increased scrutiny of passengers and technological advancements playing crucial roles in prevention efforts.
The significant number of individuals prevented from traveling—particularly those with suspected ties to terrorism and narcoterrorism—underscores the scale of ongoing security concerns. It also highlights the evolving nature of threats facing U.S. transportation systems, which increasingly include narcotics trafficking networks with potential connections to terrorist organizations.
Miami’s position as an international gateway, particularly for travelers from Latin America and the Caribbean, makes it an especially important security focal point. The airport’s strategic importance will only increase as Miami prepares to host several matches during the upcoming World Cup, drawing thousands of additional international visitors.
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8 Comments
Kudos to the TSA and Homeland Security for their vigilance in stopping potential terror threats from traveling. Protecting our national security should always be a top priority.
It’s reassuring to hear about the significant number of individuals with suspected ties to terrorism that have been prevented from boarding flights. Keeping our airports and air travel secure is critical.
The TSA’s efforts to thwart terror-linked individuals from boarding flights are certainly commendable. Protecting the public from potential threats should always be a top priority for our law enforcement and security agencies.
Interesting to hear about the TSA’s efforts to prevent terror-linked individuals from boarding flights. Keeping our airports and skies safe is crucial, though the details on specific cases would be helpful to better understand the scope of the problem.
Agreed, transparency around the TSA’s actions and procedures is important for public trust. I’m curious to learn more about the screening methods used to identify potential threats.
Kudos to the TSA and Homeland Security for their work in identifying and stopping potential terror threats at our airports. Keeping our skies safe is of paramount importance, even if the details can be sensitive.
Absolutely. While the specifics may not be publicly shared, the fact that thousands of suspected threats have been intercepted is a testament to the effectiveness of the TSA’s security measures.
The statistics on the TSA’s interdiction efforts are quite impressive. Preventing over 10,000 suspected narcoterrorists and 85,000 individuals linked to terrorism from traveling is no small feat. It’s a reminder of the ongoing threats we face.