**Viral News Snippet: CBP Memorial Day Travel Warning**
Viral News Snippet: CBP Memorial Day Travel Warning
Headline: CBP Issues Urgent Memorial Day Warning: “Unprecedented” Delays Expected as New Biometric Checks Roll Out
The Claim: A viral post circulating on X and Facebook claims that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a “savage” warning for Memorial Day weekend, stating that travelers face up to 8-hour delays at land ports of entry and major airports due to the surprise activation of a new “full biometric exit” system. The post further alleges that CBP is warning all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to carry two forms of government-issued ID and to “expect full device inspection,” or face being turned away.
The Reality: 🔍🛑
This claim is MISLEADING (a mixture of outdated policy and exaggerated fear-mongering).
Fact Check:
- The “New Biometric System”: CBP has been testing and rolling out biometric facial comparison technology at certain airports and land ports over the past year, but it is not being “activated suddenly” for Memorial Day. The rollout has been gradual and public.
- The 8-Hour Delay Claim: CBP has not issued any formal statement predicting 8-hour delays specifically due to biometrics. While delays are expected due to high volume (pre-pandemic Memorial Day levels), the 8-hour figure appears to be a viral exaggeration. CBP’s official advice focuses on standard “Know Before You Go” tips.
- The “Two IDs & Device Inspection” Warning: False. CBP does not recommend carrying two forms of ID solely due to this system. Also, while CBP can conduct electronic device searches at the border (a longstanding policy), there is no new “Memorial Day” directive expanding this authority.