TSA Archives - KVRR Local News

Lack Of Tsa Pay Leads To Headaches At Connecting Airports

Partial Government Shutdown Causes Security Headaches at Certain Airports

Hector International hasn't seen any impacts to its TSA operations - but connecting hubs like Minneapolis and Chicago haven't been as lucky.

March 25, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Homeland Security shutdown has hit Transportation Security Administration workers hard – with DHS stating that at least 450 officers have outright quit, while many more call out of work due to lack of payment. As a smaller regional airport, Hector International hasn’t exactly felt that pinch, but those looking to fly to Fargo from hubs…

Aptopix Congress Homeland Security Mullin

Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security as TSA standoff deepens

March 23, 2026

KVRR Staff,

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., President Donald Trump’s pick for Homeland Security secretary, testifies during Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary late Monday, approving President Donald Trump’s nominee to take over the embattled department after the firing of Kristi…

Fargo, Minneapolis airports not showing Noem shutdown video

October 14, 2025

KVRR Staff,

FARGO (KFGO) – So far, a video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming the government shutdown on Democrats is not showing at Hector International Airport in Fargo. Airport Authority Executive Director Shawn Dobberstein says the airport does not have equipment for such videos. He says TSA and the Department of Homeland Security have the ability, but has thus far…

TSA Hosts Hiring Event in West Fargo

The agency is looking for new officers to staff Hector International.

May 15, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Prospective TSA agents got a chance to fast-track through the hiring process at an event in West Fargo. The agency was recruiting for its Transportation Security Officer position at the Hilton DoubleTree on East Beaton Drive. Applicants filled out the formal application with guidance from officials, then took a proficiency exam and conducted an in-person…

Appointment Bookings Soar as Real ID Deadline Approaches

The North Dakota Department of Transporation says there will be plenty of time after the deadline to get a Real ID, provided you're not planning on travelling by air soon.

April 13, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

Exterior of the Fargo DMV location, operated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.FARGO, N.D. – You may be surprised to know that 66% of North Dakotans already have a Real ID – because right now, the Department of Transportation is definitely feeling the effects of intensified demand for appointments. “For the last month or so, our offices have been getting…

TSA officers intercepted 8 guns at Hector International Airport in 2024

January 20, 2025

KVRR Staff,

FARGO (KFGO) – Transportation Security Administration officers intercepted eight guns at Hector International Airport in Fargo last year. That’s five more than in 2023. The TSA says 19 guns were stopped from making it through security at North Dakota airports in 2024, up from 12 the year before. Besides the eight firearms at Hector, TSA officers intercepted six at Bismarck…

LIVE: Holiday travel at Hector International Airport

November 27, 2024

Alex Bertsch,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – It’s the busiest travel day of the year, as people travel across the country for the Thanksgiving holiday. And it’s no different at Hector International Airport in Fargo, where they see an uptick in passengers throughout the week before and after the holiday. While they rarely see delays at T.S.A. or inside the airport, our weather…

TSA’s Baggage Reminders Ahead of Holiday Travel

October 24, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — TSA agents have seen a variety of weapons and other items many people have brought with them to the airport. TSA’s Federal Security Director at Hector International reminds people that bringing these items will slow down processing. “You know the biggest thing is preparations being prepped for the time it’s going to take you to get…

Passenger With Undeclared Loaded Weapon Stopped by TSA in Fargo

February 4, 2024

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — TSA officers stopped a passenger from bringing a loaded gun onto an airplane Thursday at Hector International Airport. The gun was spotted during a routine x-ray screening of the passenger’s carry-on luggage. A Fargo police officer responded to the checkpoint. The passenger could face a $15,000 fine and other penalties. It is the second gun detected…

Travelers share what they’re looking forward to this Thanksgiving

November 23, 2022

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Many people are still traveling by plane to see their families so they can celebrate Thanksgiving. I’m not a turkey lover and Thanksgiving kind of revolves around the turkey, but I love all the green bean casserole, the corn, the pies. Not sure if we’ll have the traditional since we will be with my bachelor son,…