When it comes to airport security, most parents expect some extra screening for bottles, formula, and strollers. Going through the airport with a baby is usually far from a smooth process.
But one mom’s experience with TSA left millions of viewers stunned, while others said they were more than justified.
TSA Agent Screens Baby
In a viral video with more than 9.4 million views, content creator Elodie (@eldesh571) captured a moment that’s sparked widespread debate about TSA procedures. The footage shows a TSA agent conducting what appears to be a full pat-down of her infant daughter, who’s only a few months old.
“Them searching my baby. Why is that,” text overlay on the video reads.
The clip shows the mother holding up her baby girl, who sits remarkably still while a TSA agent literally pats her down and scans her. The mom’s facial expression conveys clear annoyance. Other travelers passing through security in the background look equally confused by what they’re witnessing.
In the caption, Elodie elaborates on the situation with a note of frustration. “Them searching my baby and why is that?” she wrote. “They even asked if it’s ok to search her as if I had any choice.”
Some commenters thought the TSA agent, who’s white, was racially profiling the Black mother and child.
TSA Rules On Screening Infants And Young Children
According to the TSA, babies and young children do undergo screening at airport security checkpoints. But there are specific protocols meant to make the process less invasive.
The agency states that “modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down” for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger.
Infants can be carried through metal detectors in a parent’s arms or in carriers. Though they “may be subject to additional screening.” The TSA explicitly states that “children will not be separated from their parent/guardian” during the screening process.
However, if an alarm is triggered—whether from the metal detector or body scanner—additional screening becomes necessary. TSA officers are supposed to “consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child.”
The key phrase here is “reduce the likelihood” of pat-downs, not eliminate them entirely. Which means that while TSA aims to avoid physically screening young children, it’s still within their protocols under certain circumstances.
Commenters React
“Because unfortunately some adults hide things on babies,” a top comment read.
“Yall do realize how easy id be to hide something illegal inside the onesie/diaper right???” a person said.
“BABY GIVING HER SIDE EYE… WILL REMEMBER YOU,” another wrote.
“My daughter is in a wheelchair and gets searched and swabbed every time, it’s not racism it’s cos people use kids and pushchairs/wheelchairs to conceal things,” a commenter added.
@eldesh571 Them searching my baby and why is that🤪? They even asked if it’s ok to search her as if I had any choice#fyp #airportsearch#baby
BroBible reached out to Elodie via TikTok direct message.