Border Surveillance Cameras Face Widespread Failures

An internal memo from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that nearly 30% of surveillance cameras along the U.S.-Mexico border are inoperable, affecting approximately 150 out of 500 cameras. This technical failure poses a significant impact on border security operations, as these cameras are part of the Remote Video Surveillance Systems used since 2011 to monitor large areas without deploying agents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for maintaining these systems, has struggled with repairs, prompting considerations to replace them with a contractor for better technical support. The memo highlights concerns from the National Border Patrol Council about officer safety and border security risks, with officials noting outdated equipment as a primary issue. Despite some repairs and the installation of new AI-powered towers, more than 150 repair requests remain unresolved, compromising the effectiveness of border monitoring efforts.