Originally Posted by
WillCAD
Since when does TSA have legal powers of detention? Are TSOs now considered law enforcement officers? When did that happen, and where was this authority conveyed upon them?
OP certainly did not violate the law - he did not enter the sterile area with a prohibited item, nor did he knowingly attempt to do so. He was unaware that the prohibited item was in his bag; when informed of that fact, he made no attempt to take the prohibited item into the sterile area, complied with the instructions of the TSOs, and did not interfere with the screening process in any way.
I was happy to hear from OP, however, that the TSOs did give him the option of mailing the prohibited item to himself or returning it to his car, since I have heard plenty of stories of TSOs disposing of prohibited items without asking travelers what they wish to do with their property, since that property is not permitted inside the sterile area.
OP - I hope you never forget about your knife again; it looks like an expensive folder and I'd hate to lose it to an overzealous TSO or LEO who oversteps their authority and "confiscates" (steals) your knife.
1. TSA Officers are not law enforcement officers (LEO's) in general. They, just like other civilian inspection types such as the inspection staff for CBP, may temporarily detain an individual pending the arrival of a LEO (which is why DHS requires a LEO at each checkpoint).
2. Yes, if you read the CFR rules, it's a violation to enter the checkpoint with an undeclared prohibited item.
This one strikes me as a solution looking for a problem. OP got the benefit of the doubt from the Officer he dealt with, even to the extent of being offered the opportunity to mail the contraband item back to himself.
OP doesn't appear to be complaining about his treatment thus far. He appears concerned that he will be singled out for enanced security measures going forward.