In a development that could jeopardize border security, nearly one-third of the cameras in the Border Patrol’s primary surveillance system along the U.S.-Mexico border are out of service, according to an internal memo obtained by NBC News.
The memo, circulated earlier this month, warns that the technical failures are significantly hampering operations, leaving agents blind in key areas.
The malfunction affects roughly 150 of the 500 cameras deployed across surveillance towers along the southern border. The problem, attributed to outdated equipment and backlogged repairs, has left critical stretches of the border unmonitored.
Some repairs have been made, but officials admit that more than 150 outstanding service requests remain unresolved, meaning that several blind spots persist.
These surveillance systems, known as Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS), have been a cornerstone of border security since their deployment in 2011. Their purpose is to monitor vast areas without requiring large numbers of agents on the ground. However, with 30% of the cameras out of commission, agents are forced to cover more ground in person, spreading resources thin.
“The American taxpayer has made significant investments in this technology and expects it to function properly,” the Border Patrol union in Laredo, Texas, emphasized in a recent Facebook post, expressing frustration over the delays in repairs.
The memo places part of the blame on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is responsible for servicing and maintaining the surveillance equipment.
A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson noted that the agency is taking steps to modernize the surveillance network. Around 300 new towers featuring advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, have been installed.
These upgrades aim to reduce the number of agents needed for non-enforcement tasks, though they are not yet sufficient to cover the current gaps.