Originally Posted by
petaluma1
So then, does that not take the private room grope after a "positive" ETD swab out of the administrative search realm and into the realm of a probable cause search? Does the TSA have the authority to do a probable cause search?
I would say yes, once they have a positive ETD swab, they have probable cause to do a search for explosives, and you may face criminal charges if you are found in possession of illegal explosives.
That is my opinion, but note that 1) IANAL and 2) AFAIK no court has ever ruled on the matter.