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Senators Call for Enhanced Border Security Using Technology

A bipartisan group of senators representing northern border states is urging the Trump administration to bolster technological resources for border security, particularly through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) have formally reached out to Pete Flores, the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), emphasizing the importance of adequately safeguarding all U.S. borders.

In their communication, the senators highlighted the unique nature of the U.S.-Canada border, which stands as the longest demilitarized boundary in the world. With significant CBP personnel and resources allocated to the southern border, they argued that advancements in technology could greatly enhance the security measures in place at the northern border. “The security of our northern border could be especially improved through the appropriate use of technological platforms,” they stated.

Among the recommendations laid out in the letter was a call for acquiring and implementing various systems. This includes anti-tunneling technology and platforms that leverage artificial intelligence to detect potential threats more effectively. “To better detect threats, we encourage CBP to increase its utilization of unmanned aircraft, as well as radar and sensor technologies and autonomous platforms like aerostats,” the senators wrote.

The senators also pointed out the necessity for improved technological capabilities at the U.S.-Mexico border. Their letter referred specifically to the ongoing issues related to the illicit flow of fentanyl and other drugs entering the United States from the south. While President Trump has mentioned fentanyl trafficking from Canada in the context of increasing tariffs on trading partners, data indicates that the overwhelming majority of fentanyl is smuggled across the southern border, primarily by U.S. citizens through designated entry points.

The Trump administration has already been utilizing unmanned aircraft at the southern border and is reportedly considering drone strikes aimed at targeting cartels operating within Mexico. This initiative aligns with the administration’s broader goal of enhancing border security as it prepares to allocate more resources in the upcoming budget.

In a statement, Senator Shaheen emphasized the complexities and dynamic nature of the threats facing the nation, asserting that it is vital to adapt and implement modern technology for border security. “The challenges threatening the safety of our nation are complex and ever-evolving. That’s why it’s imperative that we adapt to use modern, innovative technology to secure our border and crack down on the flow of fentanyl from Mexico in a bipartisan way,” she stated.

Senator Hoeven further echoed this sentiment by asserting the importance of accelerating the deployment of modern technologies to address critical issues such as the trafficking of fentanyl and human trafficking. “By utilizing tools like unmanned aircraft, anti-tunneling systems, and advanced sensors, we can improve situational awareness, better allocate resources, and strengthen CBP’s ability to secure both the Southern and Northern borders,” he concluded.

Source
thehill.com