CBP initiates facial biometric pilot in Texas

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials said the agency has initiated a facial biometric pilot in select vehicle lanes at the Anzalduas International Bridge Port of Entry (POE), Texas.

Simplified Arrival uses facial biometrics to automate manual document checking procedures required for admission into the United States, providing travelers with a secure, touchless travel experience.

“CBP has successfully expanded Simplified Arrival to select airports, seaports, and pedestrian lanes at the U.S. land borders,” Diane J. Sabatino, CBP deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, said. “The next step to transform travel at the land borders includes the addition of facial biometrics to further secure and enhance the vehicle entry process.”

Officials said the cameras attempt to take a photo of each occupant in the vehicle and match it to corresponding traveler photos already in government holdings, such as passport, visa or prior encounters.

CBP is under federal mandate to biometrically record all foreign nationals who enter and exit the United States, officials said, adding the addition of facial biometrics to verify an identification and authenticate travel documents would strengthen security by providing officers greater assurance to make an informed decision about a traveler’s admissibility.

Simplified Arrival will be deployed at two inbound vehicle lanes at the Anzalduas POE, per authorities, and travelers seeking to opt out of the biometric testing can use opt out lanes marked for those preferring the standard document checking process.