'Trusted Traveler' background checks not so trustworthy

previously, provisional plans have been discussed for a ‘Trusted Traveler’ program at airports, which would background check individuals before they fly, allowing for speedier and simpler airport security checks. A similar program has been running since 2008, with new legislation looking to expand on this. It seems that these plans have moved on pretty rapidly – Mexican citizens will soon be eligible to apply for a “trusted traveler” status that will allow them to bypass some elements of airport security when they fly into the United States — a U.S. government-approved program that critics say could be exploited by violent drug cartels. The program is designed to weed out low-risk passengers and enable authorities to zero in on those who may be more likely to pose a threat. But critics say Mexico’s drug cartels will quickly learn how to exploit loopholes in the plan, and they point to the recent arrests of two pre-vetted “trusted travelers” caught trying to smuggle marijuana and other contraband into the U.S. through a Texas border checkpoint. Sheriff Larry Dever of Cochise County, Ariz., says drug cartels could recruit Mexicans with clean backgrounds to attain trusted traveler status, and then use them to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the U.S. “We know even on this side of the border that drug cartels recruit people to apply for jobs with Customs and Border Protection, Immigration — they keep them clean so they pass background checks,” he said. Irrespective of a travelers status, they could still be randomly search and, according to the authorities, in no position to transport drugs. Such a program would certainly make things easier for the regular traveler, but as is the key issue regarding flying – security is a priority – and can we really be sure such a program is completely secure?]]>