AI Drone 'First Responders' Could Soon Track Migrants at US Border

The U.S. Border Patrol is investigating the potential use of AI-powered drones as first responders to track and monitor migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally. Detailed in federal procurement records published on November 6, the drones could launch from docking stations upon receiving alerts and provide agents with live information about individuals or objects crossing the border.

Alerted by surveillance towers, sensors, or other systems, the drones could be airborne within five minutes, with an ideal response time of three minutes. Border Patrol operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Trump administration has intensified its efforts against illegal border crossings while combating cartels.

Once airborne, these AI-driven drones could use machine learning to detect, identify, and track "items of interest," such as people, vehicles, or contraband. They could monitor multiple targets throughout the day or night, pinpoint their locations, and direct cameras toward them before notifying agents. Live video, images, and location data could be transmitted to agents in the field.

The drones would then return to their docking stations to recharge on their own. However, CBP has not yet decided to purchase or deploy these drones, as they are still being researched. In 2020, CBP initiated Autonomous Surveillance Towers, which use radar and algorithms to detect and identify people or vehicles. In 2021, these towers were deployed in West Texas and New Mexico, assisting agents in locating and identifying migrants entering the U.S. illegally.

The enhanced use of autonomous surveillance technology is part of Border Patrol's strategy to improve the detection of illegal border crossings.