Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard members and state police to conduct bag checks in New York City’s subway system has raised questions about its legality and effectiveness. While riders can refuse a search under the Fourth Amendment, those who decline will be asked to leave the system. The initiative, intended to enhance safety, is met with skepticism from civil liberties groups and transit advocates who question its necessity and potential impact on vulnerable populations like the homeless. Hochul has not specified the duration of the deployment, emphasizing its role in preventing violent crime. However, concerns persist about the long-term strategy for addressing issues such as homelessness and mental health crises in the subway.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/nyregion/national-guard-subway-bag-checks.html