ACLU: Over 1000 complaints from travelers in the US about sexual violations during pat-downs
The ACLU has received over 1000 complaints from travelers in the United States about the TSA’s new pat-downs, providing a unique vantage point on what is taking place at airports around the nation. These complaints came from men, women, and children who reported feeling humiliated and traumatized by these searches, and, in some cases, comparing their psychological impact to sexual assaults. Recurring themes in these reports include:
- The searches are extremely invasive.
- Many travelers are reporting intense feelings of violation and humiliation.
- Some report being physically hurt by the searches.
- Some feel their searches are punitive.
- Reports of gawking by agents.
- Reports of seemingly unnecessary repeated touching of intimate areas.
- Many vow not to fly any more.
- Any traveler may be forced to undergo one of these searches.
(These quotations have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Please be aware that due to the nature of these searches, these complaints often include graphic and sometimes disturbing language.)
The pat down was so invasive that the woman doing it stuck her thumb through my jeans into my vagina, significantly more than simple resistance. She cupped each of my breasts, and ran her hand inside the waistband of my jeans. … I am upset, humiliated, degraded, and feel abused and criminal, when I am guilty of nothing. – Janet from Maryland …
Passengers’ Stories of Recent Travel
