Key points:
- In response to the record 2.47 million encounters at the southern border, Congressman John Duarte and Daniel Garza, president of The Libre Initiative, emphasize the need for technological innovation in border security.
- Duarte’s bill, the Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement (INTEL) at Our Borders Act, aims to not only replace outdated technology but develop a comprehensive strategy for implementation or emerging technologies.
- By improving border technology and constantly innovating, Duarte and Garza believe that border security can efficiently target criminal groups, address the drug and fentanyl crisis, and tackle human trafficking.
Congressman John Duarte and Daniel Garza, president of The Libre Initiative, highlight the critical role of technology and innovation in border security due to the record-breaking number of encounters at the southern border. Latest data shows that the U.S. has an estimated 19,400 border patrol agents responsible for securing 6,000 miles of the border – a ratio of only three agents per mile of the border.
Recognizing the limitations in manpower, Duarte and Garza argue that it is imperative to find new ways that don’t solely rely on manpower to meet the challenges of the border crisis. Their solution emphasizes the use of technology and innovation. “Without it, we leave not only our border agents vulnerable, but also the communities in our country facing the unprecedented migration crisis”, they note.
Duarte’s bill, the INTEL at our Borders Act, is centered around providing border agents with the necessary technology to do their jobs and keep them safer. The bill would direct the Department of Homeland Security to replace existing outdated technology and develop a comprehensive strategy that assesses tech gaps, evaluates what’s working and what isn’t, and searches for opportunities for implementation or emerging technologies. It aims to reduce costs by evaluating technological effectiveness and partnering with the private sector to create new technologies that cater to the needs of the border patrol.
The innovative approach aims to keep up with the constantly evolving strategies of cartels and smugglers. The bill proposes the implementation of state-of-the-art surveillance systems for more effective border monitoring and security. “In embracing innovation, we not only deter bad actors but also ensure the safety of our communities”, stress Duarte and Garza.
According to the authors, the improvement of technology at the borders and continuous innovation are crucial not only for deterring unlawful activities but also for addressing humanitarian needs at the border. By doing so, they believe that it is possible to solve one of the most pressing issues in the country while ensuring the safety of Americans.