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BEST Facilitation Act
3/13/2025, 5:33 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1294
The primary goal of this pilot program is to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations by utilizing specialized personnel who are trained in analyzing and interpreting images. These image technicians would be responsible for assisting border patrol agents in identifying potential threats, contraband, and other illicit activities through the use of advanced imaging technology.
The pilot program outlined in Bill 119 HR 1294 would be implemented in select locations to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating image technicians into the agency's workforce. The bill specifies that the pilot program would be conducted for a period of two years, during which time the Department of Homeland Security would assess the impact of utilizing image technicians on border security operations. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1294 seeks to explore innovative approaches to enhancing border security and improving the efficiency of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations. By piloting the use of image technician positions, the bill aims to determine whether this specialized role can contribute to more effective border protection efforts.
Congressional Summary of HR 1294
Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act of 2025 or the BEST Facilitation Act
This bill establishes a pilot program for positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States.
Specifically, the bill establishes the position of image technician 1 within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image technician must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) refer suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer. These reviews must take place at one of five regional command centers established pursuant to this pilot program.
The bill also establishes the position of image technician 2 with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States.
Image technicians must be supervised by a supervisory CBP officer.
The bill establishes annual training requirements for both positions, including training on privacy and civil liberties and how to analyze inspection images.
This pilot program ends five years after the date of enactment of this bill. Individuals employed as image technicians at the end of the pilot program may transfer to comparable positions within CBP or the Department of Homeland Security.
