A lawsuit alleges that Customs and Border Protection, alongside other DHS agencies, is part of an expansive DNA collection program from noncitizens that has increased contributions to the FBI's database by 5,000% since 2020. Immigration advocates argue that this covert surveillance tactic infringes on privacy and civil liberties, particularly targeting immigrant communities.

CBP enforces forced labor trade law under 19 U.S.C. 1307 by issuing Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings, implementing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and CAATSA, to block the entry of goods produced using forced labor.

On April 30, 2025, the House Homeland Security Committee advanced a budget reconciliation proposal that allocates tens of billions of dollars for enhancing CBP capabilities. The funding package includes significant investments in the border barrier system, CBP facilities, hiring new agents, and the deployment of advanced surveillance and detection technologies, all of which are designed to bolster border security in line with the Trump administration’s agenda.

CBP has reached a $45M settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging systemic discrimination against pregnant workers, committing to policy reforms that allow pregnant employees to maintain regular duties and receive proper accommodations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is moving toward fully autonomous, AI-driven border surveillance systems as detailed in a recent Industry Day presentation. The shift aims to reduce human oversight in monitoring border crossings but raises concerns about algorithmic bias, potential discriminatory outcomes, and increased authoritarian control, as highlighted by human rights advocates.

The U.S. Border Patrol, part of Customs and Border Protection, is reported to be deploying a comprehensive suite of modern surveillance technologies—including autonomous capabilities, sensors, drones, and integrated data systems—to enhance border security. Such measures, while intended to safeguard borders and improve agent safety, also raise concerns over potential authoritarian surveillance practices.

An Axios report indicates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is employing artificial intelligence to bolster surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border, a move that could intensify state monitoring and potentially infringe upon civil liberties.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intensified its enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by using ILO forced labor indicators to identify and detain shipments suspected of being produced with forced labor. This proactive measure includes the issuance of Withhold Release Orders and Findings, aiming to safeguard supply chains and protect vulnerable workers.

In May, Customs and Border Protection collaborated with Pangiam and West Virginia University to launch the Pangiam Bridge project, deploying AI-driven robot dogs and inspectors to automate border inspection processes. This move signals a shift towards the use of advanced surveillance technologies at the border.

In April 2023, CBP carried out 33 audits that uncovered $136 million in duties owed and seized 1,864 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $2.7 billion, reinforcing its enforcement of U.S. trade laws.

In April 2023, CBP identified 377 shipments suspected of involving forced labor and flagged them for further review under provisions such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. This reflects proactive measures to curb human rights abuses in global supply chains.