The TSA is not law enforcement at these airport checkpoints. They rely upon local police to make arrests pursuant to local law. However, the TSA can and does assess large "civil penalties" for violating their administrative regulations.jimlongley wrote:Now my next question is whether this will override federal law.
My belief is the Texan could leave the checkpoint and have no criminal charges, but would still receive a letter from the TSA several months later assessing the fine. This is still a net positive, as regulatory fines do not appear on a criminal record.
