CBP Facility Codes Leaked in Online Flashcards
▼ Summary
– A public Quizlet flashcard set created in February exposed confidential security information, including gate codes, for US Customs and Border Protection facilities near Kingsville, Texas.
– The set contained detailed operational data, such as the area’s 1,932-square-mile jurisdiction, internal grid systems, and the names of 11 surveillance towers.
– It also listed specific immigration offenses, related federal charges, and procedures for forms like expedited removal, referencing an internal “agents Resources Page.”
– CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident, while Quizlet stated it acts on policy violations when reported.
– This potential security breach coincides with CBP and ICE offering large financial incentives to recruit new agents.
A public flashcard set on the Quizlet learning platform appears to have disclosed sensitive security details related to U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations near Kingsville, Texas. The set, labeled “USBP Review,” was publicly accessible until late March, when it was switched to private shortly after a media inquiry. While the user profile was linked to an address near a CBP facility, it remains unconfirmed whether the individual was an active agent or contractor. The agency has acknowledged the incident is under internal review, stating that such a review does not imply any wrongdoing has been established.
The flashcards contained what seem to be confidential access codes for specific facility entrances and gates, listing precise four-digit combinations. Other cards outlined various immigration offenses and corresponding federal charges, alongside procedural details for forms related to expedited removal and voluntary return. One card referenced an internal “agents Resources Page” checklist meant to ensure procedural accuracy.
Quizlet stated it acts promptly on reports of policy-violating content, encouraging users to flag concerning material. Beyond codes, the set detailed the Kingsville sector’s area of responsibility, covering over 1,900 square miles and six counties, and described the agency’s internal grid and zone system. It also listed 11 local CBP towers, some of which correspond to the gate names withheld for security reasons.
A final card described an internal system called “E3 BEST,” used by officers to process secondary checkpoint referrals by querying subjects and vehicles across multiple law enforcement databases. This potential security lapse occurs during a period of significant hiring pushes at both CBP and ICE, with agencies offering substantial recruitment incentives and bonuses to attract new personnel.
(Source: Wired)
