DHS Plans Massive Expansion of Border Surveillance Towers

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to expand its border surveillance tower network from 830 to 2,300 towers by 2034.
• This $1 billion initiative is funded by the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Act" and threatens the privacy and civil liberties of residents in border regions.
• The surveillance infrastructure includes AI-based autonomous towers, remote video systems, drones, aerostats, and license plate readers.

Surveillance Technology Details

• The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Integrated Surveillance Tower (IST) program utilizes:
  • AI-based systems: Radar, thermal infrared, and optical sensors to track targets over long distances.
  • Integrated fixed towers: Optimized for monitoring foot and vehicle traffic.
  • Remote video surveillance systems: Often positioned near residential areas, capable of spying on homes on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
• The DHS intends to acquire more autonomous, long-range units and retrofit existing hardware with autonomous capabilities.

Human Rights and Civil Liberties Concerns

• The EFF characterizes the expansion as a threat to privacy, noting that the network indiscriminately monitors schools, backyards, and public areas.
• Surveillance infrastructure is not limited to U.S. federal agencies but is also employed by state, local, and Mexican law enforcement.
• Beyond towers, the border region is saturated with ground sensors, game cameras, and aerial monitoring equipment.

EFF Advocacy and Resources

• Since 2022, the EFF has documented and mapped this technology to aid journalists and researchers.
• The organization provides resources such as an interactive map and a zine, "Surveillance Technology at the U.S.-Mexico Border," which catalogs various security devices.
• The EFF continues to advocate against biometric and social media identifier collection and offers digital security guidance for individuals crossing borders.