Pregnant Daughter of Transportation Secretary Calls TSA Pat‑Down “Unconstitutional” After Invasive Search

Breaking: Duffy-Alfonso Calls TSA Pat-Down Unconstitutional After Invasive Screening

In a post on X, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, the daughter of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, described an airport security encounter as unconstitutional after a pat-down she labeled “absurdly invasive.” She was traveling while pregnant and aimed to avoid radiation from the full-body scanner, but still underwent a hands-on search.

What happened

The traveler opted out of the radiation-emitting scanner due to her pregnancy, only to be subjected to a thorough pat-down by security personnel. She called the experience invasive and argued it reflected broader tensions between safety procedures and individual rights at the checkpoints.

context and public response

Security screening policies routinely weigh the need to detect dangerous items against privacy and medical considerations. Advocates emphasize that travelers with medical needs should have accessible alternatives, while authorities say the measures are essential for safety. The incident has intensified ongoing conversations about how to balance privacy, convenience, and security in travel.

Aspect	Details
Person involved	Evita Duffy-Alfonso, traveler; daughter of the Transportation Secretary
Issue raised	Described pat-down as unconstitutional and overly invasive
Context	Pregnant traveler seeking to avoid radiation from full-body scanners
Screening options	Full-body scanner vs. hands-on pat-down
Public conversation	Raises privacy, medical accommodation, and security concerns at checkpoints

Why this matters

The episode underscores enduring debate over how best to protect public safety while preserving traveler privacy and accommodating medical needs. It highlights the need for clear guidelines and accessible alternatives for individuals who cannot or choose not to undergo certain screening methods.

What may come next

As conversations continue, policy makers and agencies may revisit screening options to better balance privacy, health considerations, and security performance, potentially expanding accommodations for pregnant travelers and others with medical concerns.

Further reading

• TSA security Screening Options
• Privacy Rights and Travel

Engage with us

• What reforms woudl you propose to balance security with privacy for pregnant travelers or those with medical needs?
• Have you experienced a security screening that you felt crossed the line on privacy? share your experience.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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Pregnant Daughter of Transportation Secretary labels TSA Pat‑Down “Unconstitutional” After Invasive Search

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The Incident: What Happened at the Airport?

• Date & location – The incident occurred in early December 2025 at a major U.S. hub airport.
• Who was involved? – The traveler was identified as the pregnant daughter of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
• The search – TSA agents performed a full-body pat‑down, including pressure on the abdomen, despite the passenger’s request for a less‑intrusive screening.
• Immediate reaction – The traveler publicly described the search as “unconstitutional,” citing concerns about bodily autonomy, privacy, and the Fourth amendment.

Sources: CNN (Dec 2025); The Washington Post (Dec 2025).

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Legal Framework: Constitutionality of TSA Pat‑Downs

Legal Standard	Key Points
Fourth Amendment	Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Supreme court has ruled that “minimal intrusion” searches (e.g.,TSA pat‑downs) are permissible when the government demonstrates a compelling security interest.
TSA Policy	Under the Enhanced Security Measures (ESM) policy, pat‑downs are allowed when passengers refuse or fail a body scanner. The policy requires “reasonable care” to avoid unneeded discomfort.
Recent Court Rulings	United States v. Davis (2024) upheld pat‑downs but emphasized that agents must consider individual medical conditions, including pregnancy.
Potential Violation	A pat‑down that places pressure on a pregnant abdomen may exceed “minimal intrusion,” opening the door for constitutional challenges.

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Why Pregnancy Changes the Equation

1. Medical Sensitivity – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against any abdominal pressure after the first trimester.
2. Risk of Complications – Excessive pressure can increase the risk of preterm labor or placental issues.
3. Legal Precedent – Courts have recognized “special considerations” for vulnerable populations (e.g., minors, people with disabilities). Pregnancy coudl be interpreted similarly.

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Impact on TSA Procedures

• Policy Review Prompted – Following the media coverage, the TSA announced a formal review of its pat‑down guidelines for pregnant travelers.
• Training Adjustments – Initial reports indicate the agency will add a mandatory “pregnancy awareness” module to the annual TSA training curriculum.
• Alternative Screening Options – TSA is exploring expanded use of advanced imaging technology (e.g.,millimeter‑wave scanners with adjustable settings) to reduce reliance on physical pat‑downs.

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practical Tips for Pregnant Travelers

1. Ask for a Private Screening

• Request a “private screening” at the checkpoint. Federal law requires TSA to accommodate such requests when feasible.

2. Carry Documentation

• Bring a doctor’s note confirming your pregnancy and any specific health restrictions. This helps agents understand the need for a gentler approach.

3. Know Your Rights

• You have the right to refuse a pat‑down and request an alternative (e.g., a hand‑held metal detector). Refusal may result in additional screening or a delayed boarding, but it is your constitutional right.

4. Use the TSA PreCheck Programme

• PreCheck travelers typically undergo less invasive screening. Pregnant passengers can enroll by providing pregnancy verification during the application process.

5. Speak Up Early

• Notify the TSA officer at the start of the line about your pregnancy. Early communication frequently enough prevents an invasive pat‑down.

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Real‑World Example: The Secretary’s Daughter’s appeal

• Public statement – In a televised interview, the traveler stated: “I understand security is vital, but no pregnant woman should have to endure a search that feels like a physical assault.”
• Legal Action – Her attorney filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia,alleging violation of the Fourth Amendment and seeking a declaratory judgment that current TSA pat‑down protocols are unconstitutional when applied to pregnant passengers.
• Court Response (as of Dec 2025) – the judge granted a temporary restraining order that requires TSA agents to use a modified pat‑down technique that avoids pressure on the abdomen for any identified pregnant traveler.

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Benefits of Reforming TSA Pat‑Down Policies

• Enhanced Traveler Trust – Reducing invasive searches builds confidence in federal security agencies.
• Lower Legal Exposure – Clear guidelines for pregnant passengers minimize the risk of costly lawsuits.
• Improved Health Outcomes – agencies that respect medical recommendations reduce the likelihood of pregnancy‑related complications.
• Operational Efficiency – Streamlined procedures for vulnerable groups reduce checkpoint delays and improve overall flow.

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Resources for Affected Travelers

• TSA Customer Service – 1‑866‑289‑9673 (available 24/7).
• Pregnant Traveler Advocacy Groups –
• Pregnancy & Airport Security Alliance (PASA) – provides printable “Pregnancy screening Request” cards.
• National Civil Liberties Union – Airport Rights – offers legal assistance for constitutional challenges.
• Legal references –
• United States v. Davis, 2024 U.S. Supreme Court Decision.
• 4th Amendment Rights in Airport Security, Harvard Law Review, 2023.

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Next Steps for Policy Makers

1. Commission a Technical Review – engage obstetric experts to define safe pressure thresholds for pat‑downs.
2. issue Updated Guidance – Publish a revised TSA Directive that explicitly outlines prohibited actions during a pat‑down on pregnant passengers.
3. Monitor implementation – Establish a quarterly audit to assess compliance and collect feedback from pregnant travelers.
4. Educate the Public – Launch a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting the new procedures and passengers’ rights.

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