U.S. Border Patrol Expands High-Tech Surveillance with New Towers in Big Bend Sector

The expansion of high-tech surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border continues as the Big Bend Sector of U.S. Border Patrol has deployed two additional Autonomous Surveillance Towers (ASTs). This latest effort to tighten border security was completed earlier this month, with these solar-powered structures featuring advanced long-range sensors and night thermal technology. According to the

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

, the towers are key assets in improving real-time surveillance and the agency’s response to border activities.

With the installment of the new towers, the total number of ASTs in operation has risen to 54. Acting Chief Patrol Agent Marco Cervantes explained, “ASTs give us complete domain awareness in remote locations, allowing us to monitor certain areas more effectively.” The technology is not only aimed at enhancing safety but also at bolstering efficiency. In the Fiscal Year 2024, a reduced number of migrant encounters – down by 58.4 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, were attributed to the ASTs’ role in disrupting smuggling operations, as reported by the

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

.

The towers’ ability to differentiate between human and vehicular traffic in the rugged terrain of the border areas comes from its integration with artificial intelligence, which significantly cuts down on false alarms. Data shows that, since their introduction in April 2021, ASTs have detected over 18,000 instances of border activity, resulting in more than 12,000 apprehensions – an indicator of their effectiveness in securing the border, as per the

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

.

Sustainable energy forms the backbone of these towers, relying solely on solar power that allows for continuous operation. A single hour of sunlight can keep a tower running for up to three days, even under conditions of low sunlight. This feature, coupled with the mobility of ASTs, enables the relocation of towers as operational needs evolve without having to constantly rely on a fixed energy source.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

continues to invest strategically in technology to meet the changing demands of border security. The Big Bend Sector, with its increase in ASTs, reiterates the agency’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced border safety and security measures.

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