El Paso officials slam DHS government shutdown video at airport
El Paso elected officials are criticizing a new video greeting visitors arriving at El Paso International Airport.
The video, currently playing on a loop at airports across the United States, shows U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem condemning Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown even though Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House.
While the video has already sparked outrage from travelers and airport officials nationwide, three El Paso City Council members joined the chorus on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem appears in a video seen at El Paso International Airport in which she delivers a political message blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.
In a letter, El Paso city Reps. Alejandra Chavez, Josh Acevedo and Deanna Maldonado-Rocha decried what they called a “distraction” that is “preventing people from returning to work and, more importantly, from getting paid and providing for their families.”
“The city of El Paso was not consulted or informed of the decision to play this video,” the trio wrote. “We appear to have a lease with the (Transportation Security Administration) for office space at EPIA, but there is no agreement for security checkpoint space, which is managed by both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).”
That’s why our voters are seeking justification, accountability, and explanation for TSA’s decision to screen this content,” they continued. “As your local government and nonpartisan elected officials, our priority is to remain apolitical while ensuring City and TSA staff provide excellent customer service, safety, and security.”
City representatives also argue that the video could constitute a violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal officials, including Cabinet secretaries, from engaging in political activity while performing their official roles.
More: El Pasoans offered free haircuts, meals and bill assistance during government shutdown: See list
The El Paso County Democratic Party is calling on the El Paso airport to stop airing the video and calling on citizens to lead the effort.
“You may have heard that Kristi Noem and the Trump administration released a misleading video regarding the Republican-led federal government shutdown,” El Paso County Democratic Party Chairman Michael Apodaca said in an email. “While many Texas airports are speaking out against the administration’s potentially illegal actions, we need our airport to do the same.”
“We must urge our El Paso City Council to continue demanding that this video be removed from our airport and defend our community values.”
While several airports across the country, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field, have already chosen not to release the video, El Paso International Airport spokeswoman Tammy Fonce maintained that the video was beyond local control.
“El Paso International Airport is not releasing the DHS video,” he said in an email. “The video is released by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on equipment and in an area under TSA control.”
“The TSA Checkpoint Requirements and Planning Guide explains throughout the document that TSA has operational control over all security checkpoint areas at U.S. airports,” Fonce said. he added. “It states that TSA manages equipment and signage in federally controlled areas.”
Adam Powell covers government and policy for the El Paso Times and can be reached by email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article first appeared in the El Paso Times: Democrats demand closure of El Paso airport
