CNN 5 Things One Thing: Does ICE Know Who You Are?
Feb 8, 2026
Juliette Kayyem, national security analyst and former DHS official, explains biometrics, AI linking and oversight gaps. Nicole Cleland, Minneapolis legal observer, recounts being identified via facial recognition and losing Global Entry. They discuss phone-based ID use, Mobile Fortify, collection methods, error risks, privacy concerns, and debates over legal limits and policy reforms.
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Agent Confrontation With Facial ID Claim
- Nicole Cleland describes an ICE agent approaching her car and saying, "I am using facial recognition."
- The encounter left her feeling vulnerable and led her to change her digital habits and privacy settings.
Harden Your Personal Device Privacy
- Change identifying names and remove biometric unlocks to reduce tracking risk.
- Review phone and social media security settings and use stronger PINs instead of fingerprint or face unlock.
Global Entry Revoked After Incident
- Nicole Cleland lost Global Entry and PreCheck soon after her encounter, with no explanation from DHS.
- She believes the revocation was linked to the facial recognition incident and sees it as punitive.