Originally Posted by
JamesBigglesworth
Are they supposed to stop people? They certainly have no authority to do so. Observe and report, sure, yes. Stop? I don't know of any legal authority for line agents to do that. TSA Police (as in the actual sworn police that TSA has) have the ability.
They can stop you, they can tell you to 'wait right here' indefinitely, they can demand your ID and BP and separate you from all of your belongings - but they can not detain you.