The Trump administration wants to photograph everyone leaving the US by car

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:01 pm

Trump Administration Plans to Photograph Everyone Leaving the US by Car, Raising Privacy Concerns

The Trump administration is moving forward with a controversial plan to photograph every person leaving the United States by car at land border crossings with Mexico and Canada. This initiative, spearheaded by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to use facial recognition technology to match photos with travel documents like passports and visas. The program would encompass all vehicle occupants, including those in the backseat.

This move mirrors a similar program being developed for those entering the country by vehicle. CBP is actively seeking technological solutions from tech companies to enhance its ability to track individuals at the border. Recent tests of existing facial recognition systems at a Texas-Mexico crossing revealed a concerning 61% face-matching validation rate, highlighting the challenges in implementing this technology effectively.

The CBP spokesperson, Jessica Turner, didn't rule out the possibility of using the data collected to track self-deportations, a move that could raise significant privacy concerns. The administration has previously employed tactics like offering financial incentives for voluntary departures and incorrectly listing immigrants with temporary parole as deceased, effectively stripping them of their legal rights.

These developments come at a time when President Trump's approval ratings on immigration are declining. Recent polls from WaPo-ABC News-Ipsos and NYT-Sienna College indicate growing public dissatisfaction with his immigration policies, with a majority of voters believing he has "gone too far" on enforcement.

BNN's Perspective: While the government has a legitimate interest in securing borders, the scope of this surveillance program raises serious questions about privacy and the potential for misuse. The low success rate of existing facial recognition technology also casts doubt on its effectiveness. A balanced approach is needed, one that prioritizes security without sacrificing fundamental rights and freedoms.

Keywords: Trump administration, CBP, facial recognition, border security, immigration, photography, land border crossings, Mexico, Canada, privacy, surveillance, self-deportation, travel documents, approval rating, immigration enforcement.

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