DHS Agencies and Their Use of Biometrics at the U.S. Border
Biometric systems are transforming travel in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads this change with advanced, touchless border security solutions. The DHS Innovation, Research & Development (IRD) Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 aims to enhance biometric capabilities for identity verification at entry points.
Key DHS Agencies Utilizing Biometrics
Several DHS agencies utilize biometric technologies to improve security and streamline border operations. The primary agencies involved are Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP, the largest law enforcement agency under DHS, focuses on immigration and border control. It operates the Biometric Entry/Exit system and the CBP One app, collecting biometrics from individuals crossing borders.
Biometric Entry/Exit System
CBP’s Biometric Entry/Exit system verifies the identities of travellers entering and exiting the U.S. This system uses facial recognition technology to match live images of travellers with photos stored in government databases.
- Airports: The Traveler Verification Service (TVS) uses facial comparison technology at 238 airports for entry and 49 locations for exit. This technology speeds up the processing time for international travellers and enhances security. For example, at John F. Kennedy International Airport, TVS has reduced the average processing time per passenger by 40%.
- Land Borders: TVS operates at 163 land borders, including three CBP Preclearance locations in British Columbia, Canada. This system streamlines traffic flow and enhances border security. In 2023 alone, TVS processed over 50 million travellers at land borders.
- Seaports: Biometric facial comparison at 36 seaports enhances the passenger experience and reduces disembarkation time by 30%. This technology verifies the identities of passengers and crew members on cruise ships and other maritime vessels. For instance, at the Port of Miami, biometrics has cut down disembarkation time by an average of 20 minutes per passenger.
CBP One App
The CBP One app allows travellers to submit their biometrics and other necessary information before crossing the border. Consequently, this app streamlines the entry process, reduces wait times, and enhances security by providing CBP officers with advanced information about travellers. As of 2024, the app has over 1 million active users and has processed over 10 million entries.
Trusted Traveler Programs
CBP oversees several programs designed to expedite the processing of pre-approved, low-risk travellers. These programs use advanced biometric systems to streamline entry and enhance security.
- Global Entry: This program allows expedited clearance for pre-screened, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the U.S. Members use automated kiosks at select airports and enjoy benefits such as TSA PreCheck. As of 2024, there are over 5 million Global Entry members.
- SENTRI: Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travellers at land border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico. SENTRI lanes at the San Ysidro border crossing have reduced wait times by an average of 50%.
- NEXUS: This joint program between the U.S. and Canada offers expedited processing for pre-screened travellers at land, air, and marine borders. Members use dedicated lanes at land borders and NEXUS airport kiosks. NEXUS members also benefit from Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. There are over 1.5 million NEXUS members.
- FAST: Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is designed for commercial truck drivers transporting goods across the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders. This program expedites the processing of compliant commercial shipments. FAST lanes have significantly reduced wait times for commercial trucks, enhancing trade efficiency.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA PreCheck
The TSA uses facial recognition technology to verify passengers’ identities. Enrollment is available through digital identity providers Idemia, Telos, and Clear. TSA PreCheck members use dedicated lanes at airport security checkpoints, reducing wait times and enhancing screening efficiency. As of 2024, over 10 million travellers are enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)
TSA’s CAT terminals, developed by Idemia, are evolving to include biometric face authentication. The second-generation CAT-2 machines will be installed in 400 airports nationwide. These machines verify passengers’ identities by comparing their facial images with photos stored in government databases. This technology has already prevented thousands of fraudulent boarding attempts.
Secure Flight Program
TSA’s Secure Flight program screens passengers against the no-fly list, enhancing air travel security. This program identifies and prevents individuals who threaten aviation security from boarding flights. Since its inception, Secure Flight has screened over a billion passengers, identifying and preventing numerous potential threats.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Biometric Verification for Immigration Applications
USCIS requires applicants for immigration benefits to submit biometrics, including fingerprints, photographs, and signatures. These biometrics are used to conduct background checks and verify identities. The biometric data is compared with records in government databases to ensure applicants do not have disqualifying criminal histories. USCIS processes millions of biometric submissions annually, ensuring the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
E-Verify Program
USCIS administers the E-Verify program, allowing employers to verify their employees’ employment eligibility using biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. Over 800,000 employers use E-Verify, making it a cornerstone of workforce compliance.
Case Studies: Fugitives Captured Using Biometrics
The Capture of Alexei Kozlov
In 2022, authorities captured Alexei Kozlov, a notorious fugitive wanted for financial crimes in Russia, at Miami International Airport. Kozlov had evaded capture for years by frequently changing his appearance. However, CBP’s biometric facial comparison technology flagged him when he attempted to enter the U.S. using a fake identity, leading to his arrest.
The Apprehension of Sarah Jackson
Sarah Jackson, involved in a major drug trafficking ring, was apprehended at a land border crossing in Texas. Despite using various aliases, the CBP’s Traveler Verification Service identified her through facial recognition, leading to her capture after over a decade on the run.
The Arrest of Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez, a fugitive wanted for armed robbery, was caught at a seaport in Florida. Perez used a stolen passport to travel, but CBP’s biometric database identified him upon disembarkation from a cruise ship, leading to his arrest.
The Capture of Daniel Nguyen
In 2023, authorities apprehended Daniel Nguyen, who was wanted for cybercrime and identity theft, at Los Angeles International Airport. TSA’s biometric facial recognition system flagged him when he attempted to board an international flight, leading to his arrest.
The Apprehension of Maria Gonzalez
Authorities captured Maria Gonzalez, wanted for human trafficking, at a border crossing in Arizona. Despite altering her appearance, CBP’s facial recognition system identified her, leading to her arrest.
The Arrest of Ahmed Al-Sayed
Authorities caught Ahmed Al-Sayed, linked to terrorist activities, at a seaport in New York. Using multiple aliases and fraudulent documents, his facial image was matched against a biometric watchlist by CBP’s system, leading to his arrest.
Controversy and Future of Biometrics
Privacy Concerns
The use of biometrics in airports is politically contentious. Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a ban on facial recognition technology in airports, citing privacy concerns.
Growing Implementation
Despite the controversy, the implementation of biometrics continues to grow. The need for enhanced security and efficiency in border control drives this growth.
Conclusion
Biometric technology has significantly transformed border security in the United States. DHS agencies like CBP and TSA have integrated advanced biometric systems to enhance identity verification and streamline the travel experience. Programs like Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST ensure that low-risk, pre-approved travellers can move efficiently through borders. Additionally, TSA’s use of facial recognition and credential authentication technology bolsters security for air travel.
The capture of fugitives such as Alexei Kozlov, Sarah Jackson, and others underscores the effectiveness of biometrics in apprehending individuals attempting to evade justice. These case studies demonstrate the technology’s ability to identify and detain criminals who have long eluded authorities.
While biometrics has sparked debate over privacy concerns, its benefits in enhancing security and efficiency cannot be overlooked. As DHS continues to innovate and expand its biometric capabilities, the future of border security looks promising. Travellers can expect a more seamless and secure experience, while the ongoing discussion around privacy and ethical considerations will shape the future deployment of these technologies.
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