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Council split over asking TSA for checkpoint agreement; motion to seek MOU fails
Summary
Council debated directing the city to seek a memorandum of understanding or lease review with TSA and FAA about signage and communications at the TSA security checkpoint. A motion to direct city staff to pursue an MOU and security-credential review failed after a tie vote marked by procedural and jurisdictional concerns.
El Paso City Council considered a request to direct the city manager and city attorney to open formal discussions with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over the agency—s operations and media on monitors in the TSA security‑checkpoint area at El Paso International Airport.
Why it mattered: Councilmembers and members of the public said federal agency content displayed inside the airport—s screening area looked like official messaging to travelers and raised free‑speech and Hatch Act questions. Others replied that the TSA checkpoint is under federal jurisdiction and that the city has little authority to restrict the agency—s displays or internal procedures.
What council considered: The motion would have directed staff to seek an MOU or lease agreement to improve communication between the city and the federal agencies, to review existing lease and security documents, and to request any necessary security clearances so city staff could review checkpoint documentation.
Public comment: Residents urged council action — a caller described the proposal as —a distraction, waste of time and taxpayer money— but many others said the video content shown earlier in October offended local residents and warranted formal engagement.
Outcome: The motion, made by Representative Acevedo, ended in a tie; the mayor participated in breaking the tie but the motion failed. Councilmembers who opposed the motion emphasized that federal law governs checkpoint areas and that TSA has final authority over checkpoint operations.
Quotes (from meeting transcript): —This is a distraction waste of time and taxpayer money,— Roberto Avalos said during public comment, urging the council not to pursue an effort to bind federal agencies to local ordinances.
Legal and jurisdictional notes: Staff and the city attorney explained that the security checkpoint is governed by federal regulations; city staff reported that the standard TSA lease for administrative office space is a federal form and that TSA exercises control over screening areas under federal law. Council members discussed the Hatch Act and enforcement authority for alleged federal partisan messaging.
What happens next: With the motion failed, staff will not begin the MOU or clearance process for checkpoint documentation. Several councilmembers urged continued outreach and clarified the city—s limited authority in federally controlled airport spaces.
