Flying in the U.S. with a Passport? What ICE Reviews Today

Passengers can use a foreign passport to travel on domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a passport as identification to board domestic flights.

However, travel can pose additional risks for certain foreign nationals. ICE can receive information linked to passengers and review their immigration status. Information reported by Reuters indicates that TSA shared passenger records with ICE. That data helped identify more than 800 people between 2025 and February 2026.

What documents does TSA accept?

TSA accepts valid foreign passports as identification. The document must allow confirmation of the passenger’s identity. It also accepts U.S. passports, permanent resident cards and REAL ID-compliant licenses. The agency recommends checking its updated list before traveling. A document accepted by TSA does not guarantee entry or immigration status.

The passport serves to pass security screening. ICE reviews other data related to immigration status. The TSA confirms that a passport is valid identification for domestic flights. Minors under 18 generally do not need to present identification to travel within the country. The airline may apply additional rules. People without acceptable identification can use TSA ConfirmID. That process costs $45 and may cause delays. Digital identification or a photograph of the passport may not be sufficient. The traveler must carry the physical document.

What information can ICE review?

ICE can review passenger data, passports, visas and I-94 admission records. The I-94 indicates the date until which a person can legally remain. That date does not always match the visa validity. An expired visa does not by itself determine illegal stay. The person should review their I-94 and any approved extensions.

Reuters reported that TSA provided information about more than 31,000 travelers to ICE. The data came from the Secure Flight program, originally created to identify security risks. Data sharing can generate an alert. An alert does not automatically mean the person will be arrested. Some cases may include administrative errors. Therefore, the passenger should carry proof of an extension or change of status.

Who faces the greatest risk?

People with deportation orders can face elevated risks. Also those who exceeded the authorized date on their I-94. Beneficiaries of solicitud