Either way, finding alcohol is not within the TSA's jurisdiction, and their action to hold (I'd still like more info on how the person was 'detained' by the TSA), was more than likely illegal if they used any force or threat of force to keep him at the checkpoint.

I'd also like to dispute the TSA's assertion of the sterile area. The FAA views the sterile area as comprising the Airport Operations Area and the part of the terminal *after* the security checkpoint which permits access to the aircraft without further expected security checks.

The sterile area does not begin when someone commits an act, like placing a bag on an x-ray machine or walking through a WTMD - the sterile area is a fixed space which exists after the checkpoint, contrary to any claim by the TSA.

An airport can modify this definition as well, as well as be the sole arbiter of who can and who cannot enter the sterile area or the AOA.