U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced “Mobile Identify,” a facial recognition application designed for local law enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration enforcement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This provision allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate certain immigration enforcement duties to state and local officers. The app became available on the Google Play Store on October 30.
According to the app’s description, Mobile Identify enables designated officers to “perform certain immigration enforcement functions, helping to identify and process individuals who may be in the country unlawfully.” The tool is intended to streamline these responsibilities securely and efficiently in the field.
A screenshot from the app’s listing indicates that it requires camera access to capture photos of subjects. Reports suggest that after a facial scan, the app does not return names but instructs users to contact ICE with a reference number or advises against detaining the individual, depending on the result.
This development follows the deployment of “Mobile Fortify,” a similar facial recognition app used by ICE agents. Mobile Fortify allows agents to collect biometric data, including contactless fingerprints and facial images, by pointing their phones at individuals. The app accesses federal databases such as the Department of Homeland Security’s Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), which contains over 270 million biometric records.
The introduction of these applications has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates and lawmakers. In June 2025, several senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, called for ICE to halt the use of Mobile Fortify, citing potential infringements on First Amendment rights and a lack of transparency regarding the app’s development and deployment.
The expansion of facial recognition technology in law enforcement continues to be a contentious issue, balancing the goals of immigration enforcement with privacy and civil liberties considerations.