(MIAMI) A 27-year-old woman, identified as Maria Paula Morais‑Sousa, was arrested at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Saturday night, August 9, 2025, after deputies say she repeatedly entered a restricted exit lane at TSA Checkpoint 3 in Concourse D despite several warnings. The Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) said the incident unfolded shortly after 10 p.m. near the checkpoint’s exit area at 4200 NW 21st St., a controlled security zone where only screened passengers and authorized staff may pass.
According to arrest information cited by CBS News Miami, an Allied Universal Security officer first warned Morais‑Sousa that the area was restricted. She left, then returned roughly five minutes later and again went into the secure lane. When told to go through the TSA screening process or face sheriff intervention, Morais‑Sousa reportedly replied that she had “only five minutes to catch her flight” and that “the sheriff could come get her,” before continuing past the security point.
While the officer contacted authorities, he lost sight of her inside the area. Deputies found and detained Morais‑Sousa. She was taken to the airport station, where she was given a Miranda warning, signed a waiver, and provided a written statement. She was then transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) without incident, the report said.
The CBS article, published August 11, 2025, characterized the offense as violating a restricted area at MIA; formal charge details were not listed at the time of publication.
Why exit lanes and sterile-area access are strictly controlled
Exit lanes and other sterile-area access points are tightly controlled to protect the screening process and the secured side of the terminal. Entering a posted “Restricted” or “Authorized” area without screening or permission can trigger immediate law enforcement action and may lead to:
- Arrest and criminal charges
- Possible civil penalties assessed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
For TSA’s civil enforcement details, see: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/civil-enforcement.
At Miami International Airport (MIA), TSA Checkpoint 3 in Concourse D lists posted hours of 4:00 a.m.–9:45 p.m. Exit lanes are controlled and may be staffed by Allied Universal Security and TSA personnel, with rapid response from MDSO when an intrusion occurs. Even when screening lanes are closed for the night, exit lanes remain off-limits to anyone attempting to enter the sterile area in reverse.
Important: Attempting to re‑enter the sterile area through an exit lane is a security violation. Do not try to bypass screening, even if you are late for a flight.
If you’re running late: steps to take
If you are running late for a flight, follow these steps rather than attempting to use an exit lane:
- Go to the nearest open checkpoint and request assistance from TSA or airport staff.
- Contact your airline immediately for rebooking or guidance.
- Follow posted signs; do not cross barriers marked “Restricted” or “Authorized.”
Additional practical advice:
- Ask a uniformed officer for help if you accidentally exited the sterile area.
- Families, older adults, or travelers with disabilities can request assistance at the checkpoint.
- Report suspicious activity to the MDSO Airport Operations Bureau at 305‑876‑7373.
Potential impacts of checkpoint intrusions
Incidents like the one at TSA Checkpoint 3 can cause short-term disruptions, including:
- Temporary closures or pauses in screening operations
- Security checks of nearby zones
- Delays for nearby passengers and flights
MIA emphasizes reporting suspicious activity and relying on staff to resolve access issues rather than attempting to re‑enter secured areas.
Recent enforcement trends at MIA
The arrest of Maria Paula Morais‑Sousa follows a pattern of firm responses to checkpoint violations and assaults at MIA during 2024–2025. Notable recent incidents include:
- A December 28, 2024, case in which Cameron Dylan McDougall, a Toronto man, assaulted TSA officers at a screening area. He pleaded guilty in federal court on May 19, 2025, to two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. Each count carries up to one year in prison.
- Local coverage in May 2025 highlighted public concern about passenger and officer safety at checkpoints. Authorities recognized security personnel for quick action that contained the December incident.
These developments illustrate that security violations and assaults in TSA zones often result in:
- Immediate detention
- Referral to prosecutors
- Potential federal charges
- Possible civil penalties in addition to criminal exposure
VisaVerge.com reports similar handling of sterile-area breaches and checkpoint assaults across major airports.
Legal framework and typical processing after an airport arrest
Under local ordinances and federal security regulations, entering a restricted or sterile area after warnings can be treated as:
- Trespass
- Interference with security operations
Exact statutes and charges depend on the facts and the prosecutor’s charging decision. In Morais‑Sousa’s case, CBS News Miami reported that formal statutes had not been listed when the article went to press. However, the reported sequence aligns with standard airport security protocol:
- Warnings and re‑entry into a restricted lane
- Officer alert to law enforcement
- Arrest and transfer to TGK
Typical post‑arrest procedure at MIA:
- On‑scene response by contracted security and MDSO, with TSA initiating exit‑lane protocols that may include temporary closures and checks
- Intake at the airport station, Miranda advisement, and documentation (including a written statement)
- Transport to TGK for booking
- Referral to prosecutors for charging decisions and court scheduling through Miami‑Dade courts
What remains pending in the Aug. 9 case
As of the latest reporting, several details were not publicly confirmed:
- The exact charges filed, if any, by the State Attorney’s Office
- Bond amount or initial court date
- Any flight delays directly linked to the incident
Any updates on exact charges, bond, or court proceedings related to the August 9 incident are likely to appear in future MDSO or court records and local media reports.
Key contacts and stakeholders
Primary agencies involved at MIA:
- Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) Airport Operations Bureau — primary law enforcement
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — screening and security rules
- Allied Universal Security — contracted security staff
- Miami‑Dade Aviation Department — airport operations and public information
Public safety contact: 305‑876‑7373 for reporting security issues at MIA.
Takeaway: Do not enter areas marked “Restricted” or “Authorized” unless you have been screened or explicitly instructed to do so. Ask for assistance rather than attempting to re‑enter through an exit lane — doing otherwise can lead to arrest, civil penalties, and federal or state prosecution.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Miami traveler ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted TSA Checkpoint 3 exit lane on August 9, 2025. Deputies arrested her after staff lost sight briefly; she received Miranda advisement and was taken to TGK. MIA warns: don’t re‑enter sterile areas, request assistance if you’re late for a flight.
