One-Third of DHS Border Surveillance Cameras Are Non-Operational

Investigation into CBP's Malfunctioning Surveillance Network

In response to concerns about the effectiveness of border surveillance, the House Committee on Homeland Security is investigating Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) surveillance network. A recent report revealed that nearly one-third of the cameras deployed along the US-Mexico border are currently non-operational, raising alarms over the reliability of expensive surveillance infrastructure meant to secure the border.

Surveillance Cameras: A Disappointment

An internal memo from Border Patrol obtained by NBC News indicated that the failure of several technical systems has led to a large-scale outage of the Remote Video Surveillance Systems. This system, which has been in use since 2011, comprises surveillance towers and cameras designed to monitor activities at the border.

As per the memo, out of approximately 500 cameras, around 150 are not functional. This unfortunate revelation has spurred discussions about the operational responsibilities for these systems, particularly that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in charge of servicing and repairing these cameras. CBP has faced internal challenges that have hindered compliance with the needs of Border Patrol, with considerations now being made to transition to a contractor for more efficient technical support.

Deadline for Information

Rep. Mark E. Green (R-TN), who serves as the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, has formally requested that DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas provide details regarding the camera system by October 23rd. In his letter, Green describes the surveillance tools as "a force multiplier" in maintaining border security. He also mentions claims from sources indicating that the inoperability rate is potentially much higher than what has been reported, with estimates suggesting that up to 66 percent of the cameras may be non-functional.

Funding Challenges

Further complicating matters, the report highlights that a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening border infrastructure, which was promoted by President Joe Biden, included provisions for repairing the malfunctioning camera systems. However, Senate Republicans have repeatedly challenged the bill's progression, leaving key repairs unfunded.

A Long-Standing Issue

While Green’s letter frames the matter of the cameras’ inefficiency as a recent development, a separate official from CBP disclosed that the agency's surveillance measures have not been effectively managed for the past two decades. The Electronic Frontier Foundation emphasized that various iterations of the surveillance network have been tested for many years, consistently proving to be both costly and ineffective in curbing unauthorized border crossings.

Human Cost of Surveillance

The expanded surveillance systems at the US-Mexico border have inadvertently led to migrants being diverted onto remote and hazardous routes, culminating in a tragic increase in fatalities. Notably, unauthorized entries have significantly decreased in recent months, with CBP reporting the lowest migrant encounters since 2020 in September.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigation into CBP’s surveillance systems underscores the complexities surrounding border security and the oversight required to ensure effectiveness and accountability. As debates continue over funding and management, it remains clear that more efficient solutions and systems are needed to safeguard both the border and the lives of those attempting to cross it.