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CBP Tests Facial Recognition for Land Border Exits Amid Industry Calls for Expansion

CBP Tests Facial Recognition for Land Border Exits Amid Industry Calls for Expansion

First seen 9 Oct 2026, 17:38 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 10, 2026 at 17:35 UTC
  • •CBP is testing facial recognition for pedestrian exits at a Texas border crossing.
  • •The Secure America Act provides $3.45 billion for border security and technology through 2029.
  • •The IBIA calls for expanded biometric screening and restrictions on traveler profiling.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is testing facial recognition technology for pedestrian exits at the Progreso International Bridge, a significant step toward completing the biometric entry-exit system mandated by Congress. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tested three solutions in May 2026, responding to a request from CBP in October 2025. The testing is part of a broader initiative supported by the Secure America Act, which allocates $3.45 billion for border security through 2029. The International Biometrics and Identity Association (IBIA) has urged Congress to expand biometric screening and impose limits on traveler profiling, emphasizing that technological challenges remain, particularly for vehicle crossings. The IBIA's recommendations include funding for non-intrusive inspection systems and cooperation with Canada and Mexico to enhance border security. The current status remains in the testing phase, with no confirmed purchases of the tested systems yet.

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Timeline

2025-10-01
CBP requests biometric technology solutions
CBP asked DHS for technology to confirm pedestrian departures securely and efficiently.
Biometricupdate
2026-05-01
Field test of facial recognition systems conducted
DHS tested three facial recognition solutions at Progreso International Bridge to assess their effectiveness.
Biometricupdate
2026-10-07
IBIA urges Congress for expanded biometric screening
The IBIA sent a letter to Congress advocating for enhanced border screening and limits on profiling.
Biometricupdate

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Common questions

What is the current status of the biometric exit system?
The biometric exit system is still in the testing phase, with no confirmed purchases of the tested systems.
What are the main challenges for biometric screening at land borders?
Challenges include effectively capturing biometrics from vehicle occupants and managing congestion at exit points.
How is the funding from the Secure America Act being utilized?
The funding is aimed at enhancing border security technology, including biometric systems, but specific allocations are not yet detailed.