An internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has brought to light that during the Biden administration, a small number of American citizens were placed on federal no-fly lists for refusing to comply with COVID-19 mask mandates. The probe, which scrutinized a period between September 30, 2021, and October 25, 2021, documented that 19 individuals were flagged, with more than half receiving no-fly designations that barred them from boarding domestic flights.
The no-fly list is traditionally used to prevent individuals suspected of terrorism or posing a threat to national security from flying. The application of this measure to citizens for mask mandate resistance has sparked debate and concern both within the agency and in the public sphere. The investigation revealed that at least 11 of the individuals were kept on federal watchlists until April 2022, the same month a federal court ruled against the federal mask mandate on airplanes, forcing the Biden administration to cease enforcing the mask requirements during air travel.
Fox News initially reported the findings of the DHS investigation, leading to swift reactions from agency officials and Congressional members. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement condemning the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) actions, accusing them of grossly abusing their authority. Noem's response included the dismissal of five senior officials linked to the no-fly designations and referrals to the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and Congress for further examination.
Further details emerged when Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a flash report. The report confirmed that at least 23 Americans were placed on TSA watchlists for their association with the Freedom to Breathe Agency, a protest group formed during the pandemic to oppose mask mandates and promote personal freedom in travel and public life. In April 2022, twelve individuals were added to the TSA watchlist after removing their masks onboard aircraft, despite no allegations of them posing security threats.
The committee report criticized the government's actions, highlighting the misuse of watchlists intended for terrorism prevention against citizens engaged in protest activities. The Freedom to Breathe Agency had organized protests and campaigns against federal COVID-19 restrictions, leading to increased TSA scrutiny and placement on lists that restricted their domestic travel.
This situation underscores the tension between public health measures and individual freedoms, as well as the potential for government programs to infringe on civil liberties. The implications of the government's actions have led to a broader discussion about the balance between ensuring national security and respecting the rights of citizens.
