Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) delivered an opening statement at a hearing focused on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology. The hearing examined how NII technology is being used to detect narcotics, concealed currency, contraband, and individuals attempting to cross the border illegally.
Chairman Guest highlighted that CBP’s non-intrusive inspection equipment uses advanced technology to find hidden items in vehicles and cargo. He noted the increasing sophistication of smuggling operations, stating that government agencies must adapt accordingly, with the expansion of the NII program playing a crucial role.
He emphasized CBP’s responsibility in protecting national borders: “CBP mans the frontline in our efforts to keep threats out of our country, and NII has been an integral tool for CBP’s mission. NII enables CBP to detect and interdict contraband while minimizing the impact to the flow of lawful trade and travel at our borders.”
Under the “Securing America’s Ports Act of 2021,” CBP was required to develop a plan for achieving a 100 percent high throughput NII scanning rate at land ports of entry by 2027. However, as of fiscal year 2024, only about eight percent of passenger vehicles and 27 percent of commercial vehicles were being scanned using NII technology.
Guest attributed these low scan rates partly to issues such as poor planning and mismanagement throughout acquisition, installation, and deployment processes. Oversight bodies including the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office have expressed concerns regarding program management.
He acknowledged recent assurances from NII program leaders who reported changes in structure, staffing, management, and standards aimed at improving scan rates in line with federal investment.
“Ultimately, regardless of the prior shortcomings in the NII program, the capabilities NII affords to our frontline CBP officers keeping our ports secure are invaluable. We must continue to invest responsibly in NII technology. This technology has a proven track record in facilitating CBP’s ability to detect and prevent smuggling into our country,” Guest said.
The chairman also pointed out that after a year marked by record low illegal border crossings, CBP now has more opportunity to invest resources into developing security measures such as NII systems.
Congress recently approved significant funding through a budget reconciliation bill for improvements in border security technologies like NII. Guest stressed that oversight will be necessary to ensure these funds are used efficiently within the program.
“I am cautiously optimistic that prudent decisions from NII leadership within CBP, oversight from Congress, and technological advancements in industry will allow CBP to achieve 100 percent scanning,” he stated.
Guest concluded by thanking witnesses for their participation and expressed his intention to work with colleagues on further enhancing CBP’s non-intrusive inspection efforts.
