Suspicious Barrels Near Arizona Highway
A recent viral video shows a man noticing something odd about a barrel next to an Arizona highway. Initially, it seemed like a typical yellow barrel, but a closer look revealed that it had openings for multiple camera lenses.
The person filming mentioned that the camera inside the barrel was aimed in both directions and was powered, yet it seemed to blend into the background. His description of it, where it “just disappeared in the distance,” suggests it was quite discreet.
What Are They?
The video has been viewed over 1.5 million times on X, and while the exact location of the barrel is uncertain, it aligns with descriptions of spots along Highway 60, east of Apache Junction. This area is notably over 100 miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border, where Border Patrol has been known to set up automatic license plate recognition cameras.
Reports indicate that these concealed cameras often resemble traffic or construction signs. The Arizona Department of Transportation has even requested that Customs and Border Protection refrain from using barrels disguised as construction markers due to potential confusion for drivers.
According to the Associated Press, these license plate readers frequently hide within road safety devices like barrels along highways. This isn’t just speculation—documents from 2019 illustrate the use of solar-powered cameras inside such barrels, complete with batteries and cell connections.
One report specified that surveillance equipment would be placed inside the barrel and secured with sand, with the camera powered by a solar panel located approximately 30 feet from the white line on the road.
Why Are They There?
Back in 2022, it was reported that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had been utilizing license plate tracking since 2017 to identify smugglers operating in key areas. Hidden cameras are stated to be removed once investigations conclude or if illicit activities in the vicinity cease.
CBP’s operations hinge on a blend of personnel, technology, and infrastructure to monitor illegal actions while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. They employ systems similar to those used by local law enforcement to identify threats and dismantle criminal networks.
Interestingly, Border Patrol has not disclosed specific operational details regarding these license plate readers, citing national security concerns. Thus, exact numbers or locations of the cameras remain under wraps.
Who Is Monitoring Them?
News outlets in Arizona, including KOLD 13, reported that Flock Safety cameras operate in locations like Sierra Vista and South Tucson. Flock, which began contracting with the surveillance company in May, reportedly manages numerous cameras used by CBP.
While Flock is one of several companies supplying technology to Border Patrol, CBP at one time had access to approximately 1,600 Flock license plate readers spread across 22 states.
In addition to Flock, other camera firms partnered with Border Patrol include companies like Rekor and Vigilant Solutions. Rekor, launched in 2019, has been noted for processing an astonishing 30 million license plate reads weekly.
