**Breaking: CBP’s Memorial Day “Travel Warning” Draws Skepticism as Agency Pushes New Digital Surveillance Plan**

Breaking: CBP’s Memorial Day “Travel Warning” Draws Skepticism as Agency Pushes New Digital Surveillance Plan

Washington, D.C. — In a move that has sparked questions about motives rather than safety, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Memorial Day travel warning this morning, urging Americans to “expect delays and heightened scrutiny” at ports of entry. But critics are pointing to a curious loophole: the warning coincides with the quiet rollout of a new facial recognition pilot program at 15 major airports and border crossings.

The official CBP statement cites “increased holiday volume and potential security threats.” However, internal documents obtained by independent researchers show that the agency is simultaneously lobbying for a $2.7 billion budget increase to expand biometric surveillance, citing the very “security gaps” the warning implies exist.

“It’s a classic Washington tactic: create a problem, then sell the solution,” said a former DHS analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They’re telling families to brace for delays and then rolling out a system that logs your face and location—all while Memorial Day traffic is highest and public attention is on grilling, not privacy.”

Social media users have already begun using the hashtag #CBPWatchYourStep, with viral posts asking: “Who benefits from a travel scare right before a holiday? Not us.”

CBP has not responded to requests for comment on the timing or the budget push.