D Border Patrol The southern border is facing a large-scale disruption of security cameras, with a memo saying it is having a “significant impact” on immigration enforcement, although officials say there are other layers of security.
NBC News Report An October memo said about a third of the cameras, about 150 of the 500 cameras in the surveillance tower, were down due to technical problems.
“The national issue is having a significant impact on (Border Patrol) operations,” the memo said.
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Remote video surveillance systems are around 15 years old and are used to monitor border areas without the need for regular field patrols. Agents will rely on a variety of detection and surveillance systems, including AI-powered turrets, helicopters, K-9s, border walls and agents.
A Border Patrol vehicle stops near the border wall separating Tijuana, Mexico, from the United States on June 4, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
In response to questions from Fox News Digital about the report, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it uses a multi-layered approach that includes multiple technology installations to increase capacity.
“While older technologies such as Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) have been useful operational tools for more than 15 years, they require significant maintenance and upgrades as they approach the end of their intended life cycle. CBP works to resolve problems as systems degrade. .Issue systems by upgrading them with new camera optics or replacing them completely with a combination of mobile tower systems, aerial platforms, relocatable tower systems and fixed observation posts to provide coverage in critical areas,” said a port. -voice.
The agent noted its usefulness Automatic Surveillance Tower, which is more advanced and uses AI to track migrants and help agents identify them. CBP has deployed more than 300 of these towers.
Officials say the RVSS is an old and expensive system that requires regular maintenance and dedicated personnel to monitor the cameras. This is in contrast to newer systems that use AI and provide alerts to agents in real time.
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“CBP continues to install new, more advanced technologies encompassing artificial intelligence and machine learning to replace older systems, reducing the need for agents to perform non-preventative duties in local command centers.”
But recently the National Border Patrol Council branch in Laredo, Texas pointed out the problems and told agents that it “shares your concern that ineffective camera towers at the border pose serious concerns for the safety of officers and the border.”
“We hope this issue is resolved soon as the issue has been around for some time!” They said in a Facebook post. “The American taxpayer has made significant investments in technology at the border and expects this technology to be effective.”
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The report comes as border security continues to be a major issue ahead of the 2024 elections. Both presidential candidates, former Republican President Trump and Democratic Vice President Harris, have pledged more funding for the border and are trying to show voters that they are strong candidates to guarantee border security.
Surveys show that Trump is usually the most loyal candidate among voters.
