The United States and Bahrain have entered into a new agreement to strengthen border security and combat global threats, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Bahrain’s Minister of the Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, signed an Enhanced Border Security Partnership in Washington. The agreement provides for the automated exchange of biometric data between the two countries to prevent criminals, terrorists, and fraudulent actors from traveling to the U.S. or obtaining immigration benefits.
Secretary Noem said the EBSP underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens while working with international partners to address illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism.
“Today, I was honored to host Bahrain’s Minister of the Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, to announce and sign an Enhanced Border Security Partnership between the United States and Bahrain,” said Noem. “This partnership will help Bahrain and the U.S. further safeguard both countries, deter illegal immigration, and stop the flow of drugs, trafficked individuals, and terrorists—making both our countries even more secure. Thanks to our work with international partners like Bahrain, we are making America safe again. And by making America safer, we are making the world safer as well.”
Bahrain is already a central partner in U.S. regional security. The Gulf nation hosts Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, the largest U.S. Coast Guard installation outside the United States. With six Fast Response Cutters and more than 300 personnel, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia works alongside the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet to deter arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and other regional threats.
DHS officials said the new EBSP will build upon existing cooperation, giving both countries expanded tools to detect and stop those who threaten security before they cross borders.
The Department emphasized that agreements like this are part of a broader strategy to secure America’s borders through partnerships abroad, ensuring that law enforcement has the data and resources to keep dangerous actors from reaching U.S. soil. Secretary Noem’s remarks can be seen here.
