I think you're right about TSA. It's not really their job to worry about that stuff is it?

Here's a blurb from the US Dept. of State web site: "Be aware the United States does not have exit controls or require two-parent consent for a minor to travel across international borders. Law enforcement may be unable to prevent an abduction without a valid court order clearly prohibiting the child’s travel outside of the United States."

And even more info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/prevention/prevention-faqs.html

It looks like there are steps that a parent can take ahead of time to help prevent an abduction from taking place.

Just curious, what year did this happen to you?

Not sure about Mexico but Canada seems to be on the lookout for child abductions. A divorced buddy was attempting entry from Alaska with his two teenage children several years back and they would not let the kids in without first verifying with his ex that it was ok.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/prevention/prevention-faqs.html

Is it really that easy to abduct a child this way these days? Color me skeptical.