CBP to Launch Vehicle Biometric Capability Evaluation in 2026

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to deploy a new windshield facial capture solution, the Vehicle Biometric Capability Evaluation (VBCE), at the beginning of fiscal year 2026. The effort is part of the agency’s broader push to equip agents with modern technology and real-time data to strengthen border security, Office of Field Operations Acting Executive Commissioner Diane Sabatino said last week at the 2025 Identity Week Conference in Washington, D.C.

The windshield facial capture solution builds on CBP’s existing biometric capture tool that is already deployed in pedestrian lanes at land borders. Sabatino said the VBCE will equip frontline personnel with innovative tech to make real-time decisions.

“Testing facial capture in outbound vehicle and pedestrian lanes is critical for us to identify individuals who are departing the U.S. in an environment where it has been incredibly challenging as we face a dynamic threat landscape,” said Sabatino.

Prior to the launch of VBCE, CBP had tested the tech at Northern and Southern border ports to ensure it could withstand environmental factors and accurately identify individuals. CBP OFO Executive Director of the Innovation and Strategy Directorate Jody Hardin said the agency is investing in additional testing capabilities and automating data collection efforts to provide agents with real-time and relevant data.

“We really are looking at how we’re going to enhance [CBP] — starting by refreshing equipment, working with our OIT partners to redesign how we collect data, the architecture on the back end and how it connects everything to make it more robust,” said Hardin.

Pairing AI with Biometric Tech to Streamline Operations

CBP is exploring how it can couple AI with biometric facial recognition programs to reduce administrative burden and streamline workflows, Sabatino explained.

“Every day our officers are working to secure our nation and the advanced technologies reduce those administrative burdens and allow them to do what they do best,” said Sabatino. “We’re affording them the time to talk to people, determine intent and increase their situational awareness, which makes our border safe and secure.”

Hardin emphasized the importance of culture change and workforce education to maximize the benefits of AI. According to the 2024 federal AI use case inventory, roughly 46% of agency use cases were categorized as mission-enabling, which included mostly administrative functions like financial and facility management. Hardin said showcasing use cases can help the workforce view AI as a tool meant to help agents perform their jobs better.

“AI is used in a lot of administrative activities because it’s routine. But when you look at [AI] from a law enforcement perspective … with biometrics the things that we’re looking to incorporate, AI is something that is going to help us be more efficient,” said Hardin. “I think that comfort level that people understand how much this interplays with that interaction is going to help them understand it and be more comfortable with it.”