Citation[]
Government Accountability Office, Border Security: DHS Surveillance Technology Unmanned Aerial Systems and Other Assets (GAO-16-671T) (May 24, 2016) (full-text).
Overview[]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection employs surveillance technologies, UAS, and other assets to help secure the border. For example, in January 2011, CBP developed the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan, which includes seven acquisition programs related to fixed and mobile surveillance systems, among other assets. CBP has also deployed UAS, including Predator B aircraft, as well as tactical aerostats to help secure the border. In recent years, the GAO has reported on a variety of CBP border security programs and operations.
This statement addresses (1) the GAO findings on DHS's efforts to implement the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan and (2) preliminary observations related to GAO's ongoing work on CBP's use of UAS and tactical aerostats for border security.