This was a surprising move.
In a recent move, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to halt the use of body cameras by its agents during field operations. The decision was made following a concerning revelation on social media about the vulnerability of body cameras to being tracked by certain mobile applications, such as BLE Radar. This app, which scans for Bluetooth signals from devices like phones, smartwatches, and speakers, allegedly can detect CBP body cameras from up to 100 yards away—posing a significant security threat.
CBP responded swiftly by issuing a directive to its agents, instructing them to cease the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) until further notice. This directive emphasizes a potential security risk to agents and warns of the possibility of these devices being used to trigger improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remotely. The directive outlines that once an investigation is complete and proper risk mitigation measures are implemented, further instructions will be provided.
This move is a part of ongoing efforts by CBP to improve safety and security for its agents, especially as the agency continues to focus on enforcing immigration laws and securing the southern border. The Avon brand body cameras used by CBP agents were specifically identified as vulnerable to detection by BLE Radar, which was developed by F-Droid.
While this development may raise concerns, it is essential to remember that the mission of CBP, along with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), remains crucial for safeguarding the country. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, border enforcement has seen significant strides. For example, since February, the number of “gotaways”—illegal immigrants entering the U.S. without apprehension—has dropped dramatically to just 132 per day, a 93% decrease compared to the previous administration under Joe Biden.
This drop in illegal border crossings shows the success of tougher enforcement strategies, which align with the broader goals of securing the southern border, supporting American law enforcement, and protecting national security. These are the priorities that continue to drive the hard work of CBP and ICE agents across the nation.