CBP reaches agreement with Paraguay to secure borders

Last week, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reached an agreement with the National Customs Directorate of Paraguay to secure borders. This will be done through the implementation of the Automated Targeting System-Global traveler screening system, or ‘ATS-G.’

The ATS-G software is said to improve how travellers flying in and out of a country are screened, helping identify high-risk travellers. The Bureau of Counterterrorism of the US Department of State and the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program of the US Department of Justice will provide essential computer hardware and software to Paraguay’s National Customs Directorate

“The United States and Paraguay enjoy a close partnership in security cooperation,” said Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy Joseph Salazar.  “The ATS-G platform will enable the United States and Paraguay to continue safely building the economic, security, and cultural ties at the heart of our longstanding friendship.” 

The Government of Paraguay and US Customs and Border Protection signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in April 2018 that was the first step in bringing ATS-G to Paraguay.  The agreement reached last week establishes individual and organisational data security responsibilities that enable ATS-G to be fully implemented. 

“With a broad mission that includes border security, as well as facilitating lawful trade and travel, CBP is acutely aware of the importance of engaging our international partners and stakeholders,” stated William A. Ferrara, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Field Operations.   

www.cbp.gov/