Valley airports to receive full-body scanners
McALLEN — A full-body scanner that can see through clothing and help security officials find bombs and other weapons will soon greet passengers at McAllen-Miller International Airport.
On Friday, Department of Homeland Security officials announced the deployment of the machine, which bounces electromagnetic waves off the human body to create a black-and-white image — the passenger’s face is blurred and the images are not stored, according to a news release.
U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Texas, said the units, which also will be deployed at airports in Brownsville, Harlingen, Corpus Christi and Laredo, will strengthen security.
“These advanced imaging technology units have the capability of detecting threats that could endanger the safety of our passengers, including non-metallic threats,” he said.
The units are expected to be deployed this summer, according to a news release.
It is unclear when the units will be installed. With funding provided by the stimulus bill, the Transportation Security Administration has purchased 450 machines and thus far deployed 58 at 24 airports across the country, according to the release. On Friday, the agency announced an additional 20 airports would receive the technology.
Philip Brown, McAllen airport’s director of aviation, said the units would likely be deployed in the next 60 days.
“We have to do a couple of minor adjustments to the screening checkpoint,” he said. “(TSA is) in a pretty big hurry to get them in.”
U.S. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, said to assuage privacy concerns, Congress asked that TSA delete the images and not print or otherwise store them after a scan is completed. Further, if a passenger does not want the scan, they can request alternative screening, which could involve a physical pat down.
“Usually it’s the smaller towns that don’t get this type of technology,” Cuellar said. “This will help keep the traveling public safe.”
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Sean Gaffney covers McAllen, business, the economy and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.
