New US–Chile Pact Targets Criminal Migration With Biometric Technology

The United States and Chile signed a new Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) letter of intent on July 30, which U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said is a continuation of crucial information-sharing between the two nations.

“Data sharing benefits everyone – except bad actors who wish to do us and our people harm,” Noem said in a statement. “Today, we kick-started a Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) to help both nations better track criminals, terrorists, other dangerous individuals who try to cross our borders and do us harm.” 

The Homeland Security statement said that biometric data is critical for vetting, tracking, and keeping the worst of the worst criminal aliens from around the globe from crossing U.S. borders.

BITMAP provides specialized technical equipment and advice to law enforcement agencies in countries allied with the United States to conduct tactically targeted collection of biometric and biographical data on individuals suspected of committing crimes.

“To increase both countries’ capabilities in that effort, the U.S. trained Chilean law enforcement on a successful BITMAP pilot program this past spring,” the Homeland Security statement said.

It added that the letter of intent will serve as a “bridge” for Chile and the United States as they work towards a full partnership.

“Once BITMAP is fully operational, both countries will enjoy increased cooperation in identifying and tracking transnational criminals, terrorists, and other high-risk individuals who are attempting to enter American borders,” the statement said.

“Now, Chilean officials can identify potentially dangerous individuals among illegal third-country aliens to prevent their travel to the U.S., and they also have the capability to use BITMAP in Chilean prisons to fully vet prisoners and detainees.”

Noem signed the agreement at Chile’s Ministry of Public Security in Santiago at an event attended by Chilean Minister of Public Security, Luis Cordero Vega, Attorney General Ángel Valencia, and Minister of Justice, Jaime Gajardo Falcón.

Noem also held a meeting with the Chilean officials to discuss bilateral cooperation on border security, migration, and the repatriation of deported citizens. Chile’s continued participation in the Visa Waiver Program, which exempts citizens from a visa to travel to the United States, was also confirmed.

“Chile also deserves applause for its efforts to stay compliant with our Visa Waiver Program and for its law enforcement’s efforts to stop criminals heading towards America from traveling through its country,” Noem noted in a July 31 statement.

The Chilean government also committed to accepting all U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) charter flights, participating in the Electronic Nationality Verification and Security Partnership for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) programs.