Washington Report

NAPO Opposes Forced Deployment of Federal Air Marshals to Southern Border

Alexandria, VA – The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) joined with our member organization, the Air Marshal National Council (AMNC), to urge the halting of the forced deployment of Federal Air Marshals to the southern border.

Up until yesterday, 21-day deployments to the southern border have been voluntary for Federal Air Marshals, but now they are mandatory. During these deployments, air marshals are not using their law enforcement skills to help secure the border, but are tasked with non-law enforcement jobs, including janitorial duties. The Federal Air Marshal Service is understaffed and covering the fewest number of flights since before September 11, 2001. We strongly question the decision by the Department of Homeland Security to divert much-needed aviation security to the southern border especially as we enter the busiest travel season of the year, particularly as a Federal emergency has not been declared at the border. The jobs air marshals are being asked to do at the border are well below their skill level and a waste of important resources. Further, it puts an incredible strain on an already stressed workforce.

NAPO and the AMNC sent letters to President Biden, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs requesting a stop in these forced deployments for the sake of our air marshals and our nation’s aviation security.

The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States that serves to advance the interests of America’s law enforcement officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, and 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers.