Kristi Noem Seemingly Wants Bi-Partisan Hate. She’s Ordered PRECHECK Lines Closed.
UPDATE 6:40 a.m. Monday, February 23: The messaging issues from DHS continue. While pre-check lanes are open, Global Entry is closed until further notice, delaying travelers returning to the United States.
UPDATE 1:01 p.m. — We apparently caught the updated press release before many others. DHS officially reversed course from its original announcement closing all PreCheck lanes nationwide. The lanes remain open, however, there is still confusion at airports so your results may vary.
UPDATE: There seems to be some confusion or miscommunication from the Department of Homeland Security. While travelers are reporting TSA Prechceck and Clear closures, DHS officially says this: “At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly. Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies. “
Let us know what you are seeing at area airports. Email news (at) bocanewsnow.com or text 561-576-NEWS.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — In her apparent bi-partisan quest to have everyone despise her, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem ordered the closure of all expedited airport processing lines in airports nationwide. Simply put: Your TSA PRECHECK and/or CLEAR memberships are currently worthless.
Noem is blaming the quasi-government shutdown that continues. Regardless of where you are politically, everyone is now in the same line when traveling. Security lines are exceptionally long at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Palm Beach International, and Miami International which is bad even on a good day.
Without pre-check, your shoes are likely coming off, computers and iPads are coming out of bags, liquids are going into the bin, and your trip is going to get off to a very bad start.
If you are traveling: give yourself significant extra time. We’re not talking 20 minutes. Add an hour — or more — to the time you normally give yourself at the airport. It’s bad. And it’s going to get worse.
