Senator Tammy Duckworth Demands TSA Reinstate Shoes-Off Screening After Classified Report Flags Shoe-Detection Gaps
Sen. Tammy Duckworth urged the TSA to restore the long-standing shoes-off screening after a classified DHS OIG red-team report found some full-body scanners cannot reliably detect items concealed in footwear, accusing the agency of ignoring urgent safety warnings and legal deadlines.
Key takeaways
- Urgent OIG finding: A classified DHS Office of Inspector General red-team test flagged that some Advanced Imaging Technology scanners fail to detect items hidden in shoes.
- Senator’s demand: Sen. Duckworth sent a letter to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill calling for an immediate return to shoes-off screening.
- Policy change contested: The shoes-on policy, announced July 8, 2025, by then–DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, ended nearly 20 years of shoes-off practice and is now questioned for public-safety reasons.
Key information
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) sent a formal demand to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill urging the immediate reversal of the “shoes-on” policy introduced last summer — read the senator’s letter.
Policy timeline: The shoes-on change took effect on July 8, 2025, when then–Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ended the nearly 20-year shoes-off requirement, a move critics called abrupt and disruptive.
Inspector general alert: A classified DHS OIG red-team test found screening gaps; the OIG issued a rare Seven-Day Letter to leadership — Passenger Terminal Today coverage and CBS News reporting detail the findings.
Background on the policy change
The shoes-off requirement was instituted after the 2001 attempted shoe bombing, when a passenger tried to detonate explosives hidden in footwear. For nearly two decades travelers removed shoes to allow scanners and personnel to check for threats. On July 8, 2025, then‑DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced a shoes-on policy, ending the long-standing practice and prompting concern from security experts and legislators alike — see coverage from Passenger Terminal Today and CBS News.
The security vulnerability identified
The DHS OIG ran covert red-team assessments of TSA screening technology and found that certain Advanced Imaging Technology full-body scanners do not reliably detect objects concealed inside shoes. Because the finding was judged urgent, the inspector general issued a Seven-Day Letter to then‑Secretary Noem — reporting documented by Passenger Terminal Today and CBS News.
Duckworth’s arguments and legal concerns
In her letter to Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, Duckworth outlined multiple criticisms and demands:
- Reckless decision-making: She accused Noem’s decision of being “likely without meaningful consultation with TSA” and called it “a reckless act.” Fox News and CBS News reported on the criticism.
- Failure to act on urgent notice: Duckworth wrote the policy “has allowed a potentially catastrophic security deficiency to remain in place for seven months and counting,” asserting the urgent OIG notice prompted no meaningful corrective steps. CBS News
- Possible legal violations: The senator said the agency missed a legally required 90‑day deadline to outline corrective actions and that the lapse may violate federal law, OMB guidance and DHS directives — coverage at Passenger Terminal Today.
- Risk to passengers: Duckworth warned the shoes-on policy “increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight,” calling the change “a stunning failure of leadership.” Fox News
Leadership changes and agency responsibilities
Since the July 2025 policy shift, DHS leadership has changed. President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem as DHS secretary and appointed Markwayne Mullin. Duckworth’s letter is directed to current acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, framing the matter as one of public safety and accountability under present leadership rather than strictly partisan politics. Fox News reported on the leadership context.
TSA response and public record
As of this report, the TSA has not publicly reversed the shoes-on policy or detailed corrective steps tied to the classified OIG findings. Duckworth’s letter presses the agency to act quickly to close the vulnerability the watchdog identified; for now, checkpoints continue under the shoes-on approach implemented last summer. Reporting by CBS News and Passenger Terminal Today provides more detail.
Why this matters for travelers and security
Airport security layers are designed to stop weapons and explosives from reaching aircraft. The original shoes-off rule responded to a real attempt to use footwear as concealment. If modern screening machines cannot reliably view inside footwear, that weak point could be exploited. Both Sen. Duckworth and the OIG characterize the risk as real and urgent, with travelers, airlines, and local officials holding a stake in TSA’s next steps. Passenger Terminal Today and CBS News coverage explains context and concerns.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact
Huntington Beach depends on tourism, conventions and convenient travel. Perceived security lapses or heightened traveler anxiety could reduce airline demand and bookings, lowering hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic and retail sales in the region.
Political consequences
As a conservative-leaning, pro-public-safety community, Huntington Beach officials may press for stricter federal oversight. Duckworth’s letter could be used locally to question federal competence and fuel discussion in elections and town halls.
Social effects
News that TSA scanners may miss items in shoes can increase anxiety among families, seniors and frequent flyers. That shift can drive calls for practical measures — such as restoring shoes-off screening — to reassure travelers.
Cultural relevance
Huntington Beach values community safety and decisive leadership. Calls to return to shoes-off screening are likely to resonate with local opinion leaders and neighborhood groups demanding clear fixes and better federal communication.
Practical applications for local travelers
- Be prepared: Expect additional questions at checkpoints and be ready to remove footwear if screening protocols change. CBS News guidance.
- Follow official notices: Business and leisure travelers should monitor TSA communications and airline advisories for any updated screening guidance. Passenger Terminal Today.
- Local travel industry prep: Hotels, tour operators and shuttles should plan to advise clients about possible screening changes that could affect boarding and scheduling.
What happens next
Duckworth has asked the TSA to withdraw the shoes-on policy and reinstate shoes-off screening until identified weaknesses are fixed. She also urges compliance with required timelines for corrective action after the OIG report. If the TSA does not act, Congress could hold hearings, demand briefings, or pursue legislative remedies to enforce oversight. See reporting at CBS News and Passenger Terminal Today.
Reporting note and sources
This article draws on Sen. Duckworth’s letter and reporting by Passenger Terminal Today, CBS News, and Fox News, which detail the classified OIG findings, the July 8, 2025 policy change, and Duckworth’s demands.
Sources: Passenger Terminal Today; CBS News; Fox News.
