DHS watchdog warned of risks in airport shoes-off policy. The report got buried.

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: March 25, 2026 / 1:42 PM EDT / CBS News


An internal watchdog report in the Department of Homeland Security identified serious vulnerabilities in TSA's screenings at airports nationwide, among them, one created by a change in the shoes-off policy — and the agency has yet to respond five months later, according to internal communications provided to House Homeland Security Committee staff and reviewed by CBS News. Airports nationwide are in disarray amid Congress' failure to approve DHS funding, with TSA agents having gone without pay for 40 days.

"Red team" warnings, real-world stakes

After a classified inspector general audit deployed "red team" testing of airport checkpoints — undercover audits in which investigators attempt to slip simulated weapons or explosives past screeners — investigators raised serious concerns about vulnerabilities in TSA screening procedures.

Investigators questioned if a politically popular 2025 policy change allowing passengers to keep their shoes on during screening may have outpaced the technology's ability to detect threats concealed in footwear.
DHS top watchdog undercuts Noem's sworn testimony

During previous sworn testimony, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers that "all of the recommendations" in the inspector general's report had already been implemented. But in a March 4 memo to TSA leadership, Inspector General Joseph Cuffari made clear his office has received no evidence — written or oral — to support that claim.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-report-vulnerabilities-screenings-dhs/

[Blues Heron]

1. We are the only country with that idiotic shoe nonsense, let's hope the don't bring back that stinky policy

Or if they do make it apply to everyone, no exceptions.

[lapfog_1]

2. like almost all cyber security

TSA provides what I call "security theater" or the thin patina of security.

Real Security would be much much more intrusive.

If you have ever worked at a secure facility, like the Brown Company... you would see the difference.

[slightlv]

3. How long before we can't fly unless we're naked? OMG!

[lapfog_1]

4. we could all end up in something like this

From security check point, minus carry on, shoes, your own clothing ( hospital gowns provided ), luggage searched and possibly sent in a different cargo only plane, you in your airplane disposable outfit are stuffed into the container ( along with like 7 other passengers for 8 per container ), provided with some refreshments. No in flight service. bathroom would be an huge issue.

This will never happen, but is presented as an example of what real security might look like. No chance to hijack, very little chance of a bombing.

[radical noodle]

5. When I flew last summer,

it was only us old folks who didn't have to remove our shoes. Everyone else still had to do it.