EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Signage has gone up at the El Paso International Airport stating that the video from the Department of Homeland Security does not represent the views of the airport after a takedown request of the video was denied, according to a Facebook post by City Rep. Josh Acevedo.
While the disclaimer was recently added by the city, federal officials have stated the video cannot be removed without direction from DHS or the conclusion of the ongoing government shutdown.
The sign reads:
“The views expressed in the TSA-controlled video display do not represent the views of the El Paso International Airport. The El Paso International Airport does not engage in partisan policy.”
The video shows DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown and has has been playing at the El Paso Airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint and other airports nationwide.
Acevedo previously shared a statement with KTSM 9 News, stating that the City Attorney was reviewing the lease with TSA to see if they are allowed to play the video from DHS.
In the recent Facebook post, Acevedo shared the following statement: “Our local TSA office responded to our joint letter from Wednesday and told us that they cannot and will not remove the video until they get further guidance from DHS or the shutdown ends. My office will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as we learn any new details.”
The El Paso City Council is set to discuss a proposal on Monday that could reshape how the TSA security checkpoint operates at El Paso International Airport. The agenda item calls for the city manager and city attorney to work with federal agencies to explore a new agreement governing the space.
The proposal directs city leadership to engage collaboratively with the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider developing a Memorandum of Understanding or lease agreement. The goal is to ensure that operations at the checkpoint align with the City of El Paso’s own guidelines, policies, and ordinances, particularly those concerning the display of political language.
The move comes as community members have criticized the sign calling it a political move.
The agenda item also calls for a thorough review of all documentation related to the checkpoint and directs the city manager and city attorney to request any necessary security clearances to access and review existing federal contracts or lease agreements tied to the airport’s security area.
A report on findings and potential actions is to be presented to the City Council within 60 days.
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