Press Releases

Officials Refuse to Recognize TSA Workers’ Right to Collectively Bargain

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security representatives on the Trump administration’s dangerous immigration enforcement practices, the diversion of critical personnel away from their core missions along the northern border, and the erosion of labor protections for frontline staff.

(Congressman Kennedy’s full remarks here.)

“We know that Secretary Noem has taken thousands of federal personnel from their assigned duties, and this is felt acutely in my community of Western New York,” said Congressman Kennedy. “My district has four bridges that connect New York and Canada. And yet, many of these travel processing booths are empty because Secretary Noem is diverting resources from northern border communities. This drives up costs, takes away good-paying jobs, deters travel with our closest ally to the north, and makes things less safe.”

The reassignment of Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other DHS personnel away from their primary responsibilities to support aggressive domestic immigration enforcement operations has left ports of entry understaffed, slowed lawful travel and commerce, and undermined economic activity with America’s closest ally. These disruptions increase costs for businesses, delay travelers, and threaten jobs that depend on efficient cross-border trade. The hearing raised serious questions about how DHS can fulfill its responsibility to protect aviation systems, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies while experienced staff are pulled away to carry out unrelated interior enforcement missions. Notably, Acting TSA Administrator McNeil admitted that air marshals, put in place following 9/11 to keep mid-air flights safe, have been diverted to provide security for deportation flights, a distraction from their core mission.

In addition, Kennedy highlighted the broader implications of the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, pointing out the glaring absence of ICE leadership from the oversight hearing to answer for inhumane and unconstitutional tactics. Kennedy stressed that meaningful oversight is impossible when those most responsible for controversial and dangerous operations are not required to testify under oath.

During his questioning of TSA leadership, Kennedy pressed for accountability regarding agency staffing decisions and workforce treatment. He concluded his line of questioning by directly asking whether TSA employees should have the right to collectively bargain. Acting Administrator McNeil refused to answer, further underscoring the administration’s anti-labor posture toward frontline workers who are essential to keeping Americans safe.

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