Justice Department Suspends DEA Airport Searches

The U.S. Department of Justice has ordered the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to suspend most airport searches of passengers, following an Inspector General's investigation that highlighted significant issues including lack of training, poor documentation, and potential constitutional violations. The directive prohibits 'consensual encounter' searches unless they are tied to active criminal investigations or approved under exigent circumstances. Over the past decade, the DEA has seized over $4 billion in cash, often without charging the individuals involved, raising concerns about civil asset forfeiture abuse and racial profiling, particularly against minority passengers. The investigation revealed that searches were often conducted based on suspicious travel patterns, such as last-minute ticket purchases. The memo's findings and subsequent suspension of searches represent a significant shift towards protecting travelers' rights and addressing systemic misuse of power by DEA agents. Advocacy groups have hailed this move as a victory against civil asset forfeiture practices that disproportionately affect innocent individuals.