EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso elected officials are weighing in on a video that features the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.
This comes after reports that some Democratic cities refused the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) request to play a DHS video of Noem warning about potential changes to airport operations due to staffing limitations and TSA workers not receiving pay during the shutdown.
The City of El Paso responded on Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, to KTSM’s inquiry about whether DHS Noem’s video was being played at El Paso International Airport.
“The El Paso International Airport is not displaying the video. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is showing the video at the security screening checkpoint, which is under their control,” the city clarified.
El Paso city representatives took to social media to address their concerns about the controversial video.
City Rep. Chris Canales
I have heard lots of concerns about a video being played by the TSA at the airport. The City of El Paso has not shown, is not showing, and will not be showing the blatantly partisan Kristi Noem video in question on airport-controlled screens anywhere within the terminal at the El Paso International Airport. In response, TSA brought in their own standalone monitor (a TV crudely jerry-rigged on a stand) in their own federally-controlled area, and what they display on that is unfortunately out of City control. To me, it’s a clear violation of the Hatch Act, and I hope that there will be accountability for that violation in due time.
Chris Canales
City Rep. Josh Acevedo
Last night, I stopped by the airport after hearing they were playing the video above, narrated by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, with partisan language on the current government shutdown. I am worried that this puts the city at risk of a Hatch Act violation. The City of El Paso did not make the decision to play this video. Instead, the TSA leases this part of the airport and they made the choice to play this video on what looks like a temporary TV stand that people pass by when going through security to board their flights. Our City Attorney is currently reviewing our lease with TSA to understand if they are allowed to play this partisan video. As for my part, I’ll work to ensure all rules are followed and that the airport focuses on maintaining great customer service, safety, and security
Josh Acevedo
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