Biden-Era TSA Official Set To Assume Senior Role Under Trump
Ha McNeill, a Harvard graduate and former Chief of Staff to ex-TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will assume the role of TSA Deputy Administrator this week. President Donald Trump fired Pekoske on January 20th, 2025, shortly after his inauguration. President Joe Biden had originally appointed Pekoske, and the Democrat-controlled Senate confirmed him. During the Biden administration, Pekoske served as acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary before Alejandro Mayorkas’s Senate confirmation.
During his tenure, Pekoske played a key role in DHS efforts to terminate the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy—a point emphasized in a Trump administration DHS press release published on January 21st, 2025. The press release stated, “Between Jan. 20, 2021, and Oct. 29, 2021, Acting Secretary David Pekoske, and later Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, repeatedly attempted to suspend or terminate the MPP Policy.” However, a federal court stayed Secretary Mayorkas’s final attempt to terminate the MPP Policy after a series of legal actions.
A Biden-era press release also highlights and celebrates Pekoske’s efforts to terminate the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
TSA Controversy: Allowing Illegals To Fly Without ID
As Pekoske’s Chief of Staff, McNeill supported initiatives aligned with the Biden-Harris administration, including policies that critics argue undermined US national security. Notably, under Pekoske’s leadership, TSA agents allowed people who entered our country illegally to board domestic commercial flights without valid photo identification. This decision drew significant criticism, as it enabled criminals, many carrying infectious diseases or violent criminal records, to move freely through U.S. airports alongside American citizens.
Ha McNeill’s Ties To Pro-DACA, Open Borders Lobby
McNeill’s ties to the Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI), where their website lists her as a “leader,” have sparked scrutiny. CNSI has advocated for open borders and pro-illegal undocumented alien policies supporting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In September 2023, the organization issued a press release urging legislative action to secure permanent protections for DACA recipients after a federal judge ruled the program’s 2022 rulemaking unlawful. Part of CNSI’s September 2023 press release reads, “The Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) today released a statement calling on legislative action for a permanent solution for Dreamers following U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision finding 2022 rulemaking on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) unlawful. Hanen stayed the ruling, and current DACA recipients still have temporary deportation protections and work permits as litigation continues.”
National Security Risks Mount Amid Pro-Hamas Protests
Moreover, the timing of McNeill’s appointment raises concerns, particularly amid heightened national security conditions. Recent pro-Hamas, pro-illegal undocumented aliens, and anti-Trump protests, including an April 5th, 2025, demonstration in Washington, D.C., where Loomer Unleashed captured exclusive footage of pro-Hamas protesters disembarking from buses and waving the Hamas flag near the United States Congress, have underscored the importance of robust airport security measures. Activists have organized some of the protests against President Trump’s deportation efforts outside DC-area airports, aiming to confront lawmakers as they return from their respective districts.
The TSA, which impacts millions of Americans every year, and interacts with millions of foreigners who attempt to travel to the United States, remains a critical component of America’s national security infrastructure.
Open Borders Ally Joins TSA—Who Vetted Ha McNeill?
McNeill’s elevation to the role of Deputy TSA Administrator, along with her alignment with Biden-Harris policies and CNSI’s advocacy for open borders, begs the question, who within the Trump administration did the vetting on Ha McNeill? Further, McNeill’s appointment is just another example of the growing failures within the Trump administration’s vetting process. There is no denying that the White House has a massive vetting crisis!
You would have thought Trump would have learned but his damn ego gets in the way.
WHERE is the 17a state militia? Ours already has a court and detention center….”just as strong and as well financed as the US military”.
H1Bs are more dangerous than illegal immigrants.
They have now completely occupied the IT industry illegally. Now, their brothers and sisters have become the kings and queens of Silicon Valley (CEOs) and are protecting the interests of their fellow countrymen and women, often going against the American people.
Why hasn’t Drump completely abolished the H1B program?
It feels like a betrayal to his base, who are still fighting for it.