The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revealed on October 5, 2026, that it has conducted over 1 billion facial biometric identity checks, a key achievement in its ongoing deployment of facial recognition technology at airports, seaports, and land borders. This system, part of a biometric entry-exit initiative, aims to confirm travelers’ identities and identify those using fake documents, marking a significant step in border security enhancements.
CBP already deploys facial recognition for international arrivals at every US airport and departures at 66 facilities. The agency is preparing to expand the system, backed by $673 million in federal funding approved in 2025. This expansion adds more biometric checks at land borders, introduces new vehicle screening features, and speeds up processing for eligible travelers.
Facial Recognition Expansion
CBP reports that its facial biometric technology achieves more than 98% accuracy in identity verification. The agency uses the system to compare travelers’ facial images with existing identity records during immigration and border processing. This 1 billion milestone represents biometric identity verifications rather than necessarily 1 billion different individuals, as travelers may undergo multiple checks during separate journeys.
CBP has integrated facial biometrics into international arrival procedures at all US airports receiving international flights, including preclearance facilities where passengers complete US immigration inspections before departure. For passengers leaving the United States, the technology is currently deployed at 66 airports. Facial recognition has also expanded into maritime travel, with CBP implementing biometric identity verification at 42 seaports, including facial biometric processing when passengers disembark at 25 locations serving closed-loop cruises.
At land borders, facial recognition is operational in all pedestrian entry lanes at ports of entry along both the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders. They have also begun introducing facial biometric verification in vehicle lanes at selected locations. The next phase of the program is supported by $673 million allocated to CBP to expand biometric entry-exit systems across US ports of entry.
Biometric Border Technology Investment
The funding supports efforts to extend facial recognition beyond existing airport and pedestrian border applications. Among the planned developments are expanded biometric processing for vehicle occupants and additional identity verification for crew members and passengers during embarkation. CBP is also testing technology designed to capture usable facial images while travelers are walking, potentially reducing the need for people to stop for conventional identity checks.
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Working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, CBP has initiated pedestrian exit testing at a southwestern US border crossing. The tests examine whether advanced cameras can capture sufficiently clear images of travelers walking at normal speed as they leave the country. They are also exploring similar testing for biometric verification of people departing the United States in vehicles.
CBP has introduced facial identity verification into its Global Entry Modernization initiative, including tests of an “on the move” biometric system at selected locations. The technology is intended to verify Global Entry members’ identities while they move through the inspection area, potentially reducing the need for traditional stationary processing. The broader biometric entry-exit program originated from security recommendations and legislation following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Since 2018, CBP’s biometric systems have identified more than 600,000 immigration overstays and more than 2,300 impostors. These figures are reported by the agency as part of its efforts to detect identity fraud and strengthen border security. With the continued expansion of facial recognition technology, these numbers will continue to grow, highlighting the importance of this technology in maintaining border security.
CBP says that photographs collected from US citizens during identity verification are deleted within 12 hours. For non-US citizens, biometric information is enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s Biometric Identity Management System as confirmation of entry into or departure from the United States. The distinction is important for international visitors because the agency’s stated 12-hour photograph deletion policy does not apply equally to all travelers. As the use of facial biometrics continues to expand, it is essential to understand the implications of this technology on individuals’ privacy and security.
US citizens and eligible travelers who do not wish to participate in facial biometric verification can request a manual document check. Passengers who want to use this option should inform a CBP officer that they do not wish to participate in facial recognition and ask for their travel documents to be checked manually. The agency says these travelers will be processed under existing entry requirements. However, the ability to opt out does not automatically extend to every foreign national, and travelers should confirm the requirements that apply to their immigration status and the particular border process.