A recent report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has detailed an expansive increase in surveillance activities by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the U.S.-Mexico border. The report highlights that CBP is not only installing new technologies but also rapidly expanding existing surveillance systems. These systems, many of which were originally developed for military use, include a mix of visible and camouflaged equipment that is transforming vast areas of the border into a virtual surveillance state. This includes the deployment of Integrated Surveillance Towers (IST), artificial intelligence, drones, and autonomous surveillance robots.
CBP’s strategic implementation involves the Consolidated Tower & Surveillance Equipment (CTSE) program, which integrates various surveillance technologies into a unified system. The EFF report uncovered plans for significant expansion in this area, with upcoming deployments including 48 new ISTs in San Diego, 46 in El Paso, Texas, and 63 in Big Bend, Texas. In total, the report indicates plans for 336 future IST installations. These towers are equipped with a range of surveillance technologies, from cameras to sensor systems, designed to enhance border security operations.
Additionally, the CBP is utilizing Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) manufactured by General Dynamics. These systems, which can be up to 200 feet tall, are typically positioned alongside the border fence, including in residential areas. Each tower features advanced surveillance capabilities such as electro-optical cameras, infrared cameras, laser illuminators, and spotlights. These towers, which have a range of about 5 to 7 miles, are also being integrated into the CTSE program to provide comprehensive surveillance coverage.
Among the newer technologies being tested are Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), or robotic dogs, which are designed to operate autonomously or via remote control in remote and challenging areas of the border. These robots are intended to act as “force multipliers,” extending the reach of human agents by performing surveillance in hard-to-access regions. The EFF report raises concerns about the implications of such extensive surveillance capabilities, including issues related to privacy and the potential for invasive monitoring. As these technologies evolve, so too does the debate over their impact on civil liberties and border security practices.
