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EXCLUSIVE: The Department of Homeland Security has terminated the Quiet Skies program, which subjected certain Americans to heightened scrutiny at airport security checkpoints.
The agency announced that the program had become politically charged, often benefiting or disadvantaging specific individuals without just cause. Operated at a cost of approximately $200 million annually, the Quiet Skies initiative included a watchlist as well as a separate list of individuals granted exemptions. According to DHS, despite its extensive duration, the program failed to prevent any terrorist attacks, leading to a shift to alternative safety measures for air travel.
In her statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressed concerns that the Quiet Skies program had been misused as a political tool by the Biden Administration. Noem criticized the program, stating that it had essentially functioned as a political rolodex, targeting adversaries and favoring allies. She urged a Congressional investigation to explore potential corruption affecting national security and the interests of American citizens.
The DHS also revealed that the exemptions from security policies included groups such as foreign royals, political elites, professional athletes, and favored journalists, raising eyebrows regarding its impartiality.
The program, which launched in 2010, was initially designed as a counterterrorism strategy but faced bipartisan scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum, including notable critiques from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union.
Noem reassured the public that the Transportation Security Administration would continue its vital aviation security roles, emphasizing a renewed focus on the safety and security of all travelers. She highlighted the need to restore integrity and privacy within the TSA’s operations, advocating for an equitable application of security policies across all American travelers.
Concerns regarding the surveillance nature of the program were amplified in 2018 when the ACLU requested more information about how Quiet Skies operated. They raised alarms about the TSA engaging in covert surveillance of airline travelers, leading to significant public unease.
Hugh Handeyside, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU, stated at the time that the details surrounding the implementation of the program remained largely undisclosed. He asserted that Americans needed to be informed about the potential repercussions for their rights and the duration for which their data was retained. His call for transparency aimed to hold the TSA accountable, especially given its reliance on questionable tactics such as behavior detection to evaluate air travelers who had committed no offenses.
The DHS recently highlighted a specific incident involving William Shaheen, the husband of New Hampshire Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. In 2023, Shaheen reportedly had his name removed from the watchlist after contacting the former TSA administrator. Documents revealed that he had flown with individuals flagged as known or suspected terrorists on three occasions.
Senator Shaheen’s office confirmed that she had reached out to the TSA seeking assistance regarding her husband’s security challenges during travel. However, she remained unaware of any watchlists affecting him directly. Reports indicated that he was flying with an attorney who had attracted scrutiny due to terrorism alerts.
Adding to the controversy, the case of Tulsi Gabbard, who was previously included on the Quiet Skies list, surfaced again as part of discussions surrounding the program’s termination. Gabbard has been a vocal critic, labeling the surveillance efforts as politically motivated and indicative of overreach by government agencies.
With the termination of the Quiet Skies program, the DHS aims to restore confidence in air travel safety while navigating the complex intersection of national security and civil liberties. The agency’s re-evaluation of its security strategies comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding the implications of government surveillance and the need for accountability.
This pivotal decision marks a significant shift in policy direction, hoping to balance effective safety measures with the assurance of privacy for American citizens. The public will watch closely as the DHS implements new strategies to replace this controversial program.
