H.R. 1294: Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act of 2025

The Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act of 2025 aims to establish a pilot program for new positions called Image Technicians within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations. This program is designed to enhance the processing and inspection of items entering or exiting the United States. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Image Technician Positions

• Image Technician 1:
  • This position will mainly involve reviewing non-intrusive inspection images of vehicles and containers that are going into or out of the country.
  • They will identify any abnormalities that might suggest the presence of illegal items or individuals.
  • If no issues are found, they may recommend that the items be allowed to proceed; if problems are suspected, they can suggest further inspection.
  • The role cannot be filled by independent contractors and must be filled by current CBP employees.
• Image Technician 2:
  • This role encompasses all duties of the Image Technician 1, along with additional responsibilities, such as handling intelligence on illegal entry tactics and reporting new findings back to a central intelligence unit.
  • Similar conditions apply regarding hiring and supervision.

Supervision and Training

• All image technicians will be supervised by experienced U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
• Supervisory officers will retain the authority to make final decisions on whether items can enter or exit the country.
• Annual training will be mandatory for all image technicians, addressing various aspects such as civil rights and the identification of contraband.
• Image technicians will be assessed annually to ensure they are meeting performance standards, including accuracy and efficiency in image analysis.

Command Centers

• The program will establish five regional command centers at various ports (land, rail, sea, and air) where image technicians will be stationed.
• These centers will help in the monitoring and review of inspection images more effectively.

Reporting Requirements

• The bill mandates that the CBP Commissioner will provide reports every six months on the implementation of this program, detailing:
• The number of technicians hired and currently employed.
• The average number of images scanned by each technician.
• Training methodologies and assessment results.
• The overall impact on inspection efficiency and contraband seizures.

Program Duration and Transition

• The pilot program will last for five years, after which its effectiveness will be evaluated.
• At the end of the program, individuals in technician positions may transfer to other roles within CBP or the Department of Homeland Security.

Relevant Companies

• None found