U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino has announced a series of updates regarding agency operations and technology upgrades in early February 2026.
On February 7, 2026, Sabatino posted that "U.S. Customs and Border Protection announces upgrades to the ACE Secure Data Portal, paving the way for faster, more secure electronic refunds for the trade community starting Feb. 6, 2026. Save The Date. Learn more: https://t.co/Ke3moLMe5q #TradeNews #ACEPortal #CBPproud".
Later that day, she highlighted the work of CBP’s agriculture detection dogs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport by sharing: "Different dogs. Similar names. Same mission. Last month, @DFOChicago Agriculture K9s Snoop & Snoopy discovered several prohibited items, including: spinach & 30 raw eggs 2.6 lbs of ice cream, 6 lbs of sapote, 15+ lbs of beef skin & cow skin 14 lbs of pork #OFOProud" on February 7.
On February 8, Sabatino returned to the subject of digital transformation within CBP refund processes with a message stating: "Say goodbye to paper checks! Starting Feb. 6, 2026, @cbogov refunds go digital. The ACE Portal’s new features make the process smoother than ever. Learn more: https://t.co/Ke3moLMe5q #RefundRevolution #OFOproud #Ace".
The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal is a critical online system used by CBP to streamline trade processing and improve communication between government agencies and members of the trade community. Upgrades to this portal are intended to increase efficiency in handling import/export documentation and financial transactions such as refunds.
In addition to technological improvements in customs operations, CBP continues its enforcement efforts at U.S ports of entry through specialized canine teams trained to detect agricultural products that could pose risks to domestic agriculture or violate import regulations.
Sabatino serves as Executive Assistant Commissioner overseeing field operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
