The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been directed to cease conducting warrantless searches of travelers at airports and other transportation hubs.
The directive, issued by the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (IG), stems from an investigation that identified significant deficiencies in DEA practices.
The IG’s investigation revealed that DEA agents lacked sufficient training and frequently failed to properly document their search activities, as required by agency policy. Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz criticized the agency for its failure to track data on consensual encounters and assess the effectiveness of its interdiction efforts, stating that these shortcomings raise serious concerns about the efficient use of law enforcement resources.
Horowitz also cautioned that the DEA’s lack of transparency increases the likelihood of improper actions, unnecessary burdens on travelers, and potential violations of legal rights.
The DEA had previously faced scrutiny in 2015 for similar failures to document searches of passengers and had pledged to address these issues. However, the IG found that the agency has not fulfilled its commitment to improve documentation of its interdiction activities.
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano commended the IG’s directive, stating, “For too long, the DEA has imposed intimidatory tactics upon innocent travelers. Americans who purchase tickets to travel by plane, bus, or train should not be expected to forsake their civil liberties when they enter the terminal.”
