Noem Touts TSA Success in Barring Thousands with Terror Links from Miami Flights

DHS Secretary highlights security operations that stopped over 10,000 people with suspected narcoterrorism ties from traveling through Miami International Airport

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem touted the success of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations at Miami International Airport, saying they have prevented over 10,000 individuals with suspected ties to narcoterrorism from traveling and stopped an additional 85,000 people linked to terrorism or on the U.S. terrorism watch list from boarding flights over the past year. Noem also highlighted the airport's human trafficking unit, which conducted over 2,200 inspections resulting in 24 arrests related to child exploitation and the confiscation of 85 firearms, 82 of which were loaded.

Why it matters

Noem's announcement underscores the critical role the TSA and DHS play in safeguarding U.S. transportation networks and protecting the public from potential terrorist threats. Miami International Airport's security operations serve as a model for other major airports as the country prepares to host high-profile global events like the FIFA World Cup.

The details

According to Noem, TSA officers at Miami International Airport prevented more than 10,000 people with suspected ties to narcoterrorism from traveling over the past year. An additional 85,000 people linked to terrorism or listed on the U.S. terrorism watch list were also stopped from boarding flights. The airport's human trafficking unit conducted over 2,200 inspections, resulting in 24 arrests related to child exploitation and the confiscation of 85 firearms, 82 of which were loaded at the time of discovery.

  • Over the past year, the TSA has prevented over 10,000 individuals from traveling that had ties to narcoterrorism.
  • Over the past year, the TSA has stopped 85,000 individuals that had similar ties to terrorists and to terrorists on the watch list in the United States from boarding flights.
  • In the past year, the Miami International Airport's human trafficking unit conducted more than 2,200 inspections.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary who touted the success of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations at Miami International Airport.

Miami International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the world, employing more than 1,700 TSA officers and serving an average of 70,000 passengers per day.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency that has played a critical role in protecting U.S. transportation networks, according to Noem.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that Noem leads, which seeks to keep people safe as its mission.

Miami International Airport's human trafficking unit

A unit that conducted over 2,200 inspections in the past year, resulting in 24 arrests related to child exploitation and the confiscation of 85 firearms, 82 of which were loaded.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security Secretary (americantalk.live)

“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.”

— Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security Secretary (americantalk.live)

What’s next

Noem said the $9 billion airport modernization project and $100 million in TSA funding, alongside DHS's $1 billion nationwide investment in upgraded security technology, are especially critical as the U.S. prepares to host major global events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The takeaway

Noem's announcement highlights the crucial security operations undertaken by the TSA and DHS to safeguard U.S. transportation networks and protect the public from potential terrorist threats, setting an example for other major airports as the country gears up to host high-profile international events.