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“Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement”

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation

March 4, 2025 (recording linked here)

HEARING INFORMATION

Witnesses and Written Testimony (linked):

• Mr. John Fabbricatore: Principal Consultant, The Complete Solution Group

• Dr. Doug Gilmer: President & CEO, Resolved Strategies

• Mr. Simon Hankinson: Senior Research Fellow, Border Security and Immigration Center, The Heritage Foundation

• Ms. Deborah Fleischaker: Principal Consultant, Blackbird Ventures LLC

HEARING HIGHLIGHTS

IN THEIR WORDS

SUMMARY OF OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE

• Chairwoman Mace opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to strengthen immigration enforcement. She recounted her experience exposing a sanctuary sheriff in South Carolina who was allowing illegal immigrants, including rapists, pedophiles, and murderers, to be released onto the streets. Mace criticized the Biden administration for systematically dismantling President Trump's policies, which led to the unlawful entry of over 10 million illegal aliens into the US and nearly 2 million "got aways" who entered the country without being apprehended. She highlighted the heinous crimes committed by illegal aliens, including human trafficking, child pornography, and the record deaths of American citizens due to fentanyl overdoses. Mace stressed the need to use all means at our disposal, including modern technologies like facial recognition, data analytics, and GPS monitoring, to identify, locate, and deport illegal aliens in the US.

• Ranking Member Brown highlighted the importance of Congress's role in enacting lasting solutions for immigration. She criticized the Biden administration's cruel treatment of immigrants and the lack of a serious, solution-driven approach. Brown emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions to address the immigration crisis, including modernizing border infrastructure, reforming the asylum process, and ensuring a fair and efficient way to resettle asylum seekers. She acknowledged the role of technology in strengthening border security, such as the increased funding for next-generation technology in the 2024 spending bill, but stressed the importance of strong oversight and safeguards to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

SUMMARY OF WITNESS STATEMENT

• Mr. Fabbricatore discussed the challenges of immigration enforcement, including the lack of cooperation from sanctuary states and cities that obstruct interior enforcement by cutting off ICE from essential data systems. He emphasized the need for innovation, strategic thinking, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into ICE operations to tackle issues like human trafficking, violent illegal alien gang activity, drug smuggling, and the influx of lethal substances like fentanyl. Fabbricatore highlighted the effectiveness of tools like the Eagle Direct Identification Environment (EDDIE) in identifying and removing dangerous illegal aliens, but stressed the urgent need for modernized data platforms and integrated case management systems to improve efficiency and productivity.

• Dr. Gilmer emphasized the interconnectedness between illegal immigration, transnational crime, and human trafficking. He discussed the potential of technology to aid in targeting threats, identifying trends and patterns, and analyzing vast amounts of data to allow for a faster and more efficient law enforcement response. Gilmer criticized the inefficient use of technology by the Biden administration, such as the creation of a computer application that required ICE personnel to seek permission to make arrests, and the lack of access to critical tools like the EDDIE machines.

• Mr. Hankinson discussed the misuse of the CBP one app by the Biden administration, which he believed was an "end run around Congress" to facilitate illegal immigration. He emphasized the need for better tracking technology to keep track of non-detained aliens, citing examples of illegal aliens who were released with GPS ankle monitors but later absconded. Hankinson stressed the importance of using technology to increase efficiency and reduce costs, such as through automated case analysis to assess the risks for alternatives to detention.

• Ms. Fleisshacker discussed the operational challenges in increasing immigration enforcement, including the material limits to deportations and the need for cooperation from other countries. She highlighted the success of initiatives like the ICE check-in app and the family expedited removal management program in increasing removals and reducing costs, while emphasizing the importance of appropriate oversight and safeguards when deploying new technologies to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

SUMMARY OF KEY Q and A

• Chairwoman Mace asked about restrictions on biometric data. Dr. Gilmer responded that facial recognition and pattern-matching technology could help identify crime victims but is underutilized due to privacy concerns. The Chairwoman inquired about data silos within DHS. Dr. Gilmer explained that different divisions do not share data effectively, leading to operational inefficiencies.

  The Chairwoman asked how the Biden administration used technology to enable illegal immigration. Mr. Fabbricatore stated that the CBP One app was misused to allow unauthorized entries, with cartels exploiting it for profit.

  Chairwoman Mace asked if CBP One misuse was evident in HSI investigations. Dr. Gilmer confirmed that many criminal suspects had used the app improperly.

• Ranking Member Brown asked how technology enhances border security. Ms. Fleischaker cited cargo-screening technology and ICE check-in apps that improved efficiency. The Ranking Member asked how CBP One improved legal immigration pathways. Ms. Fleischaker said it helped organize asylum processing, reducing wait times and aiding Border Patrol operations. Ranking Member Brown asked about the impact of Trump canceling CBP One. Ms. Fleischaker warned that it would likely increase confusion and processing delays at ports of entry.

• Rep. Boebert asked about Colorado’s sanctuary policies. Mr. Fabbricatore said these laws restricted ICE from accessing key data, making it harder to remove criminal illegal aliens. Rep. Boebert asked if modern tracking technology could help secure the border. Mr. Fabbricatore confirmed that improved technology would allow ERO officers to make faster arrests. Rep. Boebert asked if CBP One could be adapted for self-deportation. Mr. Fabbricatore suggested modifying the app to facilitate voluntary departures. Rep. Boebert asked how many criminal illegal aliens evaded ICE under Biden. Mr. Fabbricatore estimated that millions had defied deportation orders due to enforcement restrictions. Rep. Boebert asked if reducing detention rates weakened border security. Mr. Fabbricatore argued for more detention beds to ensure effective deportations.

• Rep. Ansari criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, stating they harmed families and the economy. She warned against expanded surveillance, linking it to potential threats to American citizens. Ms. Fleischaker responded that ICE relies heavily on private contractors for enforcement and detention, which could financially benefit the private prison industry. Rep. Ansari asked if unaccountable contractors running immigration enforcement posed risks. Ms. Fleischaker emphasized the need for oversight and warned that rapid detention expansion could lead to inadequate staffing, poor care, and human rights violations.

• Rep. Burlison called former DHS Secretary Mayorkas a disgrace and asked if his claim that the border was secure was true. Mr. Fabbricatore and Dr. Gilmer both denied that claim, saying the border was less secure under the Biden administration. Rep. Burlison asked if the President, rather than Congress, could make a difference in border security. Mr. Fabbricatore stated that Trump’s policies demonstrated a strong attitude and effort toward enforcement, which the previous administration lacked. Rep. Burlison asked if CBP One was effective. Mr. Fabbricatore called it a disaster, arguing it was used inappropriately under Biden’s policies. Rep. Burlison inquired about technology that could improve ICE operations. Mr. Fabbricatore suggested AI and other tools could help but emphasized the need for human intelligence in enforcement. Dr. Gilmer added that private industry could provide innovative solutions to enhance enforcement efforts.

• Rep. Subramanyam raised concerns about DHS firings, particularly in the Science and Technology Directorate. Ms. Fleischaker warned that these job losses could harm morale and efficiency in border security efforts. Rep. Subramanyam asked about privacy concerns related to immigration technology. Ms. Fleischaker stated that existing regulations ensure privacy protections and oversight for new technologies.

• Rep. Crane asked how technology could help law enforcement. Dr. Gilmer stated that tools like biometric identification rapidly verify identities and detect threats, preventing criminals from evading authorities.

  Rep. Crane asked if the Biden administration refused to install border wall technology. Mr. Fabbricatore confirmed that cameras and sensors were left unused, despite being purchased. Rep. Crane asked if Biden banned DNA testing for child trafficking prevention. Mr. Fabbricatore affirmed that Biden halted Trump-era DNA testing, making it harder to verify family relationships.

  Rep. Crane asked if lower removal numbers under Trump were due to fewer illegal crossings. Ms. Fleischaker responded that illegal crossings had been decreasing for months.

• Rep. McGuire asked a series of yes/no questions, confirming witnesses’ agreement that illegal crossings are criminal acts and that Trump was more effective at border security. Rep. McGuire asked if Biden’s policies made ICE enforcement harder. Mr. Fabbricatore said ICE was restricted from making arrests, and Dr. Gilmer added that a moratorium on enforcement prevented them from detaining dangerous criminals. Rep. McGuire asked what ICE needs to fulfill its mission. Mr. Fabbricatore and Dr. Gilmer stated ICE needs more detention beds, officers, and advanced technology.

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