The TSA has posted a photo of fake IDs seized at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, and it includes a Tyler, the Creator merch item from his CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST album cycle. The agency is clearly trying to go viral, and the result is a photo that mostly proves the TSA has no idea what a real fake ID looks like.
Fake IDs Seized at LaGuardia
The photo shows a collection of driver’s licenses alongside other items seized at the airport. Among them is a piece of Tyler, the Creator merch featuring the rapper’s Baudelaire persona, complete with a blurred-out image of a “Permanent License of Travel.” The TSA has shared the image across its press releases and social media posts, framing the seizure as a routine security operation.
“I noticed various driver’s licenses with different dates of birth and different class types, but all with the same photograph,” said Christopher Ramos. “I was focused on following our screening procedures and paying close attention to anything that appeared unusual. When I discovered the fraudulent IDs, I knew it was important to report the situation through the proper channels.”
How the IDs Were Found
According to the DHS agency, a security officer discovered the contraband when an Xbox set off an alarm. That detail is worth pausing on: a video game console triggered the alert that led to the discovery of fake IDs. The TSA’s own caption for the photo reads, “When your game system gets you caught gaming the system…”
Christopher Ramos, the security officer who made the discovery, described his role in the seizure. He said he was following standard screening procedures when he noticed the discrepancy between the IDs. His statement suggests the fake IDs were the focus of the investigation, not the merch itself.
Why the Merch Is in the Photo
The driver’s licenses in the photo clearly do not feature Tyler, the Creator. None of them bear his likeness. So why include the merch at all? The answer appears to be simple: the TSA wanted something recognizable in the photo, and Tyler’s face is one of the most famous in hip-hop.
The merch item is a physical card that mimics the album’s cover art. The album itself was named the best of 2021 by Consequence, which also covered the story. The cover features a “Permanent License of Travel” document under the rapper’s Baudelaire persona. The merch used the same design, but it is not a legitimate attempt at a fake ID.
Unless you actually resemble Tyler himself, the card looks nothing like a real identification document. It is a novelty item, not a fraud. Including it in a photo of seized fake IDs is misleading, and it is likely the reason the TSA posted the image in the first place.
The Engagement Numbers
The TSA’s social media post has generated significant engagement. As of publication, the tweet had 6.3K likes and 448 retweets. The agency succeeded in garnering attention.
The photo has been widely shared, and the caption references the irony of the situation. The Xbox triggered the alarm, and the fake IDs were discovered as a result. The merch was just along for the ride.
The Fake IDs Themselves
The fake IDs in the photo are the real story here. They are the contraband that was seized. The TSA’s description of the discovery is straightforward: an officer noticed multiple licenses with different dates of birth and class types but the same photograph. That is a classic sign of fraud.
The officer reported the situation through the proper channels. The TSA’s official statement supports this account. The fake IDs were discovered during routine screening, and the officer followed protocol. The merch was not the target of the investigation.
Tyler’s Upcoming Festival
Tyler, the Creator is holding the 2026 edition of his Camp Flog Gnaw festival on November 14th and 15th. The lineup includes a mix of established artists and rising stars. Turnstile, Steve Lacy, Future, Lola Young, Don Toliver, Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE, Isaiah Rashad, Syd, and Vince Staples are all confirmed to perform.
The festival is a major event in the hip-hop calendar. Tyler has been running Camp Flog Gnaw for years, and the lineup reflects his taste in music. The event is a celebration of his career, and it draws fans from around the world.
The Merch Item
The merch item in question is a physical card that replicates the album’s cover art. The cover features a “Permanent License of Travel” document under the rapper’s Baudelaire persona. The card is a novelty item, not a functional ID. It is a collectible, a piece of memorabilia.
The TSA’s inclusion of the card in the photo is the source of the confusion. The card is not a fake ID. It is a piece of merchandise. The photo blurs out the information on the card, but the image of Tyler’s face is unmistakable. That is the point of the photo: the TSA is using Tyler’s fame to draw attention to its work.
The TSA’s Social Media Strategy
The TSA’s photo is a clumsy attempt at social media engagement. The agency is desperate for attention, and it is willing to use any tool available. The photo has generated significant engagement.
The TSA’s caption for the photo is a play on words about gaming systems. It is a clever line, but it also highlights the absurdity of the situation. The Xbox triggered the alarm, and the fake IDs were discovered as a result. The merch was just along for the ride.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Camp Flog Gnaw festival |
| Date | November 14th and 15th, 2026 |
| Location | Not specified |
| Lineup | Turnstile, Steve Lacy, Future, Lola Young, Don Toliver, Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE, Isaiah Rashad, Syd, Vince Staples |
| TSA engagement | 6.3K likes, 448 retweets |
The photo is a reminder that the TSA is not always the most competent agency. The fake IDs were discovered during routine screening, and the officer followed protocol. The merch was not the target of the investigation. The TSA’s photo is a clumsy attempt at social media engagement. The agency is desperate for attention, and it is willing to use any tool available. The photo has generated significant engagement.
Source material: “TSA Boasts About Seizing Tyler, the Creator Merch Alongside Fake IDs,” Consequence.
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