US gives local police a face-scanning app similar to one used by ICE agents

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced a new face-scanning application designed for local law enforcement agencies involved in federal immigration enforcement activities. This application, known as Mobile Identify, became accessible on the Google Play Store on October 30. According to the app's description, it operates under the authority granted by Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This provision allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate certain immigration enforcement responsibilities to state and local law enforcement officials. By entering a formal agreement, or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), local agencies, such as sheriff's departments, can have specially trained and certified officers authorized to carry out immigration enforcement tasks. The Mobile Identify app aims to enhance the efficiency and security of these responsibilities in the field. A screenshot from its Google Play listing indicates that the app requires camera access to capture images of individuals. Further details about the app's functionality were revealed by 404 Media, which reported that the app does not provide names during face searches. Instead, it instructs users to contact ICE and offers a reference number based on the search results, advising whether or not to detain the individual. Upon downloading and analyzing the app's code, 404 Media found multiple references to facial recognition features, including package names like 'facescanner' and terms like 'FacePresence' and 'No facial image found.' Currently, the app is not available for iPhone users, raising questions about its accessibility across platforms.