U.S. Rep. James Comer representing Kentucky's 1st Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. James Comer representing Kentucky's 1st Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation recently convened a hearing titled "Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement." The focus was on the use of advanced technologies by law enforcement to aid in tracking, identifying, and deporting illegal aliens in the United States. The hearing also addressed criticisms of the Biden Administration's border policies and their technology application.
Former Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Senior Executive John Fabbricatore emphasized the importance of data for law enforcement efforts. He stated, "Now is the time to embrace new technology and unconventional methods to improve targeting. We need new, innovative data platforms that can help us identify these individuals and where to apprehend them."
Doug Gilmer, a retired ICE Senior Law Enforcement Advisor, highlighted challenges in adopting technological solutions due to acquisition requirements. He noted that delays could render new technology outdated by the time it is approved for use: "This obstacle directly impacts public safety."
Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) raised concerns about the misuse of the CBP One app during the Biden Administration. She questioned how it facilitated illegal entry into the country. Fabbricatore responded that cartels exploited this app for profit by enabling individuals to bypass normal immigration processes.
Representative Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) discussed how modern tracking technology might reduce criminal activities by illegal aliens in Colorado. Fabbricatore agreed on its potential effectiveness: "We want to arrest them as quickly as we can."
Representative Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) asked about new tools for border patrol officers. Gilmer pointed out technologies like facial pattern matching which help rapidly identify threats: "It’s difficult to get biometrics to lie."
The hearing underscored a consensus among participants on the necessity of leveraging technology for more effective immigration enforcement.
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