What AI says—-

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts exit checks on vehicles heading into Canada for several key reasons, all grounded in legal authority and national security priorities.

Legal Authority for Exit Checks

CBP’s authority to inspect outbound traffic is established under U.S. law, specifically 19 U.S. Code § 1629, which permits inspections and preclearance in foreign countries. This statute allows U.S. customs officers to conduct inspections of vehicles and individuals departing the United States to ensure compliance with export laws and regulations. Such inspections are part of CBP’s broader mandate to enforce customs and immigration laws at the nation’s borders. 

Objectives of Outbound Inspections

CBP’s outbound inspections serve multiple purposes: • Preventing Illegal Exports: Ensuring that prohibited or controlled items, such as firearms, drugs, or large sums of unreported currency, are not illegally exported from the United States. • National Security: Identifying individuals who may pose a threat to national security, including fugitives attempting to flee the country.  • Immigration Enforcement: Tracking self-deportations and verifying that individuals who are required to leave the U.S. have indeed departed. 

For instance, during the Memorial Day weekend in May 2023, CBP agents conducted outbound inspections at border crossings in Ogdensburg and Massena, New York. They checked passports, vehicle registrations, and inspected vehicle trunks, emphasizing that such actions are legal and serve to enforce export laws and national security measures. 

Implementation of Biometric Exit Systems

CBP is also working on implementing a facial recognition system to photograph and log all individuals exiting the United States by vehicle at border crossings. This initiative aims to mirror current procedures for inbound travelers, where photographs are matched with travel documents like passports and visas. The system could be used to track self-deportations—individuals voluntarily leaving the U.S.—a practice strongly encouraged by the Trump administration. 

Coordination with Canadian Authorities

While the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) does not conduct physical inspections of vehicles leaving Canada, it collaborates with U.S. authorities by sharing biographic entry information. When a person travels to the United States at a land border crossing, Canada receives their biographic entry information from U.S. authorities. This information is used to create a Canadian exit record, enhancing border security by providing a complete travel history.  

In summary, U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts exit checks on traffic headed into Canada to enforce export laws, enhance national security, and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. These measures are legally authorized and are part of broader efforts to secure the nation’s borders.