Originally Posted by
etch5895
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Now, the question still remains...can the BDO lawfully detain someone (either on their own or with law enforcement help) without probable cause that a crime is being or has been committed? Furthermore, if they can, will they be held responsible for all costs that the innocent traveler incurs due to the unplanned detention (non-refundable plane tickets, hotel rooms, etc...)?
Only the police can detain someone - the TSA has no legal authority to detain, arrest, touch or tackle anybody. If they attempted to physically restrain you, and you're in a state which gives free reign to protect yourself, you could fight back against them and be able to claim you were acting in self defense.
If they want to hold you, they must call the police. If they can't find the police, you're free to walk away - although you're not necessarily free to walk away into the sterile area.