The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced a new face-scanning app, Mobile Identify, on the Google Play store to assist local law enforcement agencies in immigration-enforcement operations. The app, designed for tasks authorized by Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enables designated officers to streamline immigration enforcement functions securely and efficiently in the field.
According to a report by Ars Technica, the app does not return names after a face search but instructs users to contact ICE and provides a reference number or guidance on detainment based on the search result. The app’s code includes references to ‘facescanner,’ ‘FacePresence,’ and ‘No facial image found,’ indicating its focus on facial recognition technology.
The app, currently available only on Google Play, requires camera access to capture subject photos, enhancing law enforcement capabilities related to immigration checks. This move showcases the integration of technology into law enforcement processes to improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
Source: Ars Technica