By Belize Live News Staff: Belize and the United States have formalized a new level of cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) establishing a Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP). The agreement was signed by Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, and Kristi Noem, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, during a bilateral meeting on July 22, 2025.
The BDSP aims to enhance border security and public safety through the responsible sharing of biometric and related data. It builds upon the existing Letter of Agreement between Belize and the Merida Initiative, a regional effort involving the U.S., Mexico, and Central American countries to address transnational threats such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering.
The Belize Police Department and the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services are the primary implementing agencies. Through the partnership, these agencies will have access to critical data on known or suspected terrorists, deported felons, gang members, smugglers, and other individuals of interest. This will aid in informed decision-making, improved risk assessments, and the facilitation of legitimate international travel and migration.
Importantly, the MOC includes strict safeguards for the protection of personal information. Data collected cannot be shared with third parties, and the agreement remains fully governed by the Laws of Belize. The constitutional rights and privacy of Belizeans are preserved under national legislation. Authorities have also clarified that the MOC is entirely separate from the proposed National ID initiative.
While Belize is a relatively small nation, it has not been immune to the challenges of transnational crime, including human trafficking and the presence of international criminal networks. The new partnership reinforces Belize’s commitment to strengthening national security and contributes to broader regional efforts to ensure a safer and more prosperous Central America.
