WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) urged the U.S. Department of Justice to reverse the Biden administration’s harmful decision to suspendconsensual searches at airports and other mass transit facilities last year. These searches, which are part of the successful Transportation Interdiction Program, are critical to interdicting thousands of kilograms of narcotics at airports across the nation.

The Success of Transportation Interdiction Program Cannot Be Disputed

 “At a time when our nation has endured the pouring of fentanyl and other narcotics into our communities, this critical program led to numerous arrests, millions of dollars of drug proceeds, and the interdiction of thousands of kilos of narcotics... This program’s success cannot be disputed. Between 2022 and 2024, under this program, DEA agents seized 33 kilos of fentanyl pills, 16 kilos of fentanyl powder, 1,547 kilos of marijuana, and dozens more kilos of other narcotics at the Nashville Airport alone. Similarly, at Chicago’s MDW during that same timeframe, DEA agents seized 225 kilos of cocaine, 9 kilos of meth, 4 kilos of heroin, and 2.8 kilos of fentanyl.”

Reinstating the Transportation Interdiction Program Will Support President Trump’s Efforts to Rid America of Fentanyl and Other Deadly Drugs

“Prohibiting DEA agents and task force officers from conducting these critical interdiction efforts in transit hubs will only allow for higher quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other narcotics to come into our country through our transit hubs and onto our streets. President Trump has already taken significant action to stem the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our country by securing our southern border and empowering federal, state, and local law enforcement. Allowing for this critical interdiction program to continue at our nation’s airports and other transit hubs will continue his good work to rid America of the poison of fentanyl and other deadly narcotics. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to reinstate this successful program.”

Click here to read the full letter.