Two US security agents working at Las Americas International Airport were responsible for the controversial search of Cardinal Nicolas Lopez Rodriguez on his most recent departure from the country. The cardinal, who was boarding an Air Continental flight to New Jersey, was reportedly asked to remove his shoes and belt, remove his jacket and his hand luggage was subject to a check. Security measures were recently heightened at the nation?s airports, and Transportation Security Administration agents are now working alongside Dominican airport staff. The TSA has instructed that diplomats, government officials and the military now be included in the security searches. The TSA is enforcing new security guidelines for general aviation airports that were released on 17 May 2004. Diario Libre reports that the TSA agents have replaced the Specialized Airport Security Force (CESA) and are imposing the installation of their security equipment on US airlines at the passenger boarding areas. Diario Libre also reports that the president of the senate, Jesus Vasquez, also felt insulted that he had to be subject to the security measures.