Nearly one-third of the Border Patrol's main surveillance system cameras along the U.S. southern border are currently out of action, according to an internal memo obtained by NBC News.
The memo said about 150 of the roughly 500 cameras installed on surveillance towers along the U.S.-Mexico border are inoperable due to various technical issues. According to Go to NBC News. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited outdated equipment and a backlog of repair requests as the main reasons for widespread camera failure.
Since its inception in 2011, camera failures in remote video surveillance systems have been critical to allowing the Border Patrol to effectively monitor large areas of the border without the need for large ground crews, the agency said. reported. Despite recent repair efforts, more than 150 camera repair requests remain unresolved, leading to surveillance gaps in key border areas and compromising safety and security in areas without visual surveillance. Concerns are growing.
EXCLUSIVE: Nearly one-third of the Border Patrol's main surveillance system cameras along the U.S. southern border are not working, according to an internal Border Patrol memo sent in early October. https://t.co/Rxyhf61sEs
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 14, 2024
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reportedly installed about 300 new towers equipped with advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, NBC News reports. A CBP spokesperson emphasized that these upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize border surveillance and reduce reliance on manual surveillance by personnel.
The internal memo also faults the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which maintains and repairs camera systems, for not effectively meeting Border Patrol needs, NBC reported. Border Patrol leadership is considering replacing the FAA with a private contractor that could potentially provide more reliable technical support for surveillance cameras. (Related: Mayorkas says administration is doing 'everything possible' against immigrant gangs before pursuing immigrant election terrorism plots)
NBC News reports that the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly asked Congress for additional funding to repair and upgrade surveillance systems along the border, and camera malfunctions and resulting delays in repairs have led to increased funding and resources. There are calls for an increase in the amount.
The FAA and CBP did not immediately respond to Daily Caller News Foundation requests for comment.
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