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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed by Congress this July, secured $21 billion for U.S. border security, allocating funds for border modernization, biometrics, and artificial intelligence. OBBBA provides $673 million for biometric entry-exit systems at all ports of entry, $2.77 billion for AI-powered Autonomous Surveillance Towers (ASTs), and $5.2 billion for modernizing ICE, including real-time facial and fingerprint checks via mobile apps.

With agencies such as CBP and ICE receiving additional funding for biometrics, IDGA set out to at the “Biometric for Government & Law Enforcement” survey to our network of biometrics professionals in order to understand the existing biometrics gaps and needs of experts in the field.

The results of this mini survey come from 27 respondents representing state and local law enforcement agencies, government employees, industry professionals, federal law enforcement, consultants, educators, contractors, and retired officials.

To hear directly from federal law enforcement officials on topics such as biometrics and border security, register for IDGA’s upcoming Homeland Security Week taking place this March 17-18 at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland. The two-day summit gather stakeholders from across government and industry to explore next-generation solutions in AI, cloud and cybersecurity, biometrics, counter-UAS capabilities, border management, infrastructure resilience, and more.

In this report produced for Homeland Security Week 2025, we examine how policy changes, enhanced technologies, and expanded use of drones by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have impacted illegal border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The report also explores the dual role of drones, both as a tool for border security and a potential threat when used maliciously.

Download the full report to learn more about these developments and their implications for border security.

Now is the perfect time to see who was in the room at Homeland Security Week 2025. Our Attendee Snapshot gives you an inside look at the key organizations and job titles that attended the event, many of whom are already confirmed to return for 2026.

From top government agencies and law enforcement to leading industry experts, Homeland Security Week 2025 brought together the key decision-makers driving the future of homeland security.

In this report produced for Homeland Security Week 2025, we break down the Department of Homeland Security’s AI Roadmap, released in March 2024, which outlines DHS’s initiatives for leveraging AI to advance homeland security missions, promote AI safety and security nationwide, and build strong partnerships.

The report also explores DHS’s critical roles under Executive Order 14110, including managing AI risks and promoting global AI safety standards, which tasked DHS with several critical roles, including:

• To manage AI in critical infrastructure and cyberspace;
• Promote the adoption of AI safety standards globally;
• Reduce the potential risk of AI’s use to facilitate weapons of mass destruction attacks;
• Combat AI-related intellectual property theft;
• Ensure our nation attracts talent to develop responsible AI in the United States.

Download the report to gain insights into DHS’s strategic approach to AI.

Ahead of Homeland Security Week 2025, IDGA surveyed the homeland security community to uncover their top priorities and challenges for the year, including:

• AI and cybersecurity
• Border security
• Private and public sector partnership
• Emerging technologies

Download the full report to review the survey results and gain valuable insights that remain relevant to today’s homeland security landscape.