The Big Bend Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol has enhanced its border security capabilities with the installation of two new Autonomous Surveillance Towers (ASTs), further expanding its high-tech monitoring efforts. These latest additions, which were deployed earlier this month, bring the total number of ASTs in the sector to 54.
The solar-powered towers are equipped with advanced long-range sensors, including night thermal technology, providing real-time surveillance capabilities that enhance the Border Patrol agents’ ability to swiftly respond to border activities. These towers have proven to be instrumental in identifying and tracking illegal border crossings, significantly contributing to the sector’s successful apprehensions.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Marco Cervantes highlighted the importance of these installations, stating, “ASTs give us complete domain awareness in remote locations, allowing us to monitor certain areas more effectively. This technology enables us to secure the border more safely and efficiently.”
The ASTs have been crucial in reducing illegal activities along the border. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the towers detected 1,686 instances of border activity. Compared to the previous fiscal year, migrant encounters have decreased by 58.4 percent, partly due to the strategic deployment of ASTs in disrupting criminal smuggling operations.
Designed for optimal performance in remote and rugged terrains, the towers can differentiate between human and vehicle traffic and relay real-time video feeds to agents on the ground. Integrated artificial intelligence helps minimize false alarms by distinguishing between human activities and non-relevant movements, such as animals.
Each tower operates on solar energy, ensuring continuous coverage even with minimal sunlight—one hour of solar exposure can power the tower for up to three days. The mobility of these towers allows for their relocation based on operational needs, making them a sustainable and flexible solution for border surveillance.
Since their initial deployment in April 2021, ASTs have detected 18,339 instances of border activity and have been directly responsible for 12,192 apprehensions, underscoring their effectiveness in enhancing border security. Each installation site is strategically chosen to cover key high-traffic areas without overlap, ensuring comprehensive surveillance coverage.
The ongoing expansion of the AST program reflects the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster safety and security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
