The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and the United States (US) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that will enhance regional security through strengthened information sharing, biometric identity verification and collaborative risk assessment.

Under the newly established framework, CARICOM IMPACS and the DHS will facilitate the secure exchange of biometric and associated biographical data. This network is designed to maximise identity verification, accelerate real-time risk assessments and intercept potential threats before they reach regional borders. Leveraging advanced technology, the initiative directly supports law enforcement, border security agencies and criminal investigations across all CARICOM Member States and Associate Members.

Additionally, a key benefit of the MoC is the provision of critical security upgrades for countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. To protect the integrity of economic migration, the agreement enables data-driven background checks and identity fraud detection to satisfy rising global scrutiny before citizenship is granted. This biometric capability will also directly support the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) in enforcing governance and compliance standards.

The signing ceremony took place on 10 July 2026 at the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Washington, D.C., and was witnessed by senior officials from the US Government, representatives of CARICOM Member States, members of the diplomatic community and regional security stakeholders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director CARICOM IMPACS, described the MoC as a significant milestone in security cooperation between the Caribbean and the US. “This is not just an agreement on paper. It is a real, shared commitment to locking down our borders and keeping our citizens safe. In a world where criminal actors rely on sophisticated deception, biometrics provide a definitive means of establishing identity. The true success of this Memorandum will be measured by the threats we mitigate, the criminal networks we disrupt, and the lasting security we deliver to the Caribbean and the US", he explained.

Ambassador Michael G. Kozak, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, US Department of State, noted that the MoC represented real tangible progress and was a product of a year of sustained work, trust and follow-through. “We look forward to working with CARICOM IMPACS to implement information sharing through this agreement and continuing to work together to make the US and the Caribbean safer, more secure and more prosperous”, he stated.

The Honourable Rob Law, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans, US DHS, said the signing of the MoC marked DHS’ first multilateral biometric information-sharing arrangement. He added: “This will strengthen cooperation between DHS and CARICOM IMPACS on border security and immigration vetting. DHS welcomes this new partnership to strengthen security across the Region”.