Introduction to Database Abuse Allegations in CBP
Internal records obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General reveal allegations of misuse of sensitive government databases by CBP employees and contractors. These records span over a decade, from 2009 to 2022, and include hundreds of allegations of misuse of law enforcement databases. The records detail how CBP employees used these databases for purposes unrelated to their job duties, such as looking up romantic interests, monitoring family members, and providing intelligence to suspected smugglers or drug-trafficking organizations.
Scope of Allegations
The records highlight the extent of alleged database abuse by CBP employees, including federal agents querying data to look up romantic interests, monitor family members, expose personal information, and provide intelligence to suspected smugglers or drug-trafficking organizations. In one case, a CBP officer allegedly used government databases to contact a flight attendant, while another officer was accused of using trusted-traveler applications to ask people out.
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