The exact number of migrants who have crossed the border from Mexico into the United States is unclear, though data shows that nearly 11 million migrants have entered the United States along its southern border over the last five years, often through a dangerous journey. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for patrolling the country’s borders to prevent illegal crossings. As the largest department within the United States Department of Homeland Security, employing more than 58,000 agents and officers, CBP’s operations extend far beyond border control issues. However, as the country is currently facing a migrant crisis, it seems that CBP’s primary objective is tracking and apprehending border crossers.

With advancements in drone technology, CBP agents now have the tools necessary to act as a force multiplier for patrolling borders. For CBP agents like Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Heron Soto Jr., drones have become a game changer for day-to-day operations. He explained how many of the areas he and other agents patrol are covered in dense vegetation, like Sudan grass. When an agent is notified of a border incursion, by the time they get there, the crossers have already found security by hiding in the tall grass.

Rather than having to wait for manned aircraft to arrive, Agent Soto says he can launch a drone within 30 seconds for total situational awareness. “There’s a lot of thick brush, and it’s not always easy,” Agent Soto said. “Being able to deploy a small [drone] like that and see what they’re walking into, that’s a lot of security you’re providing for those agents on the ground. It gives us a different tool we can use, it’s great! It gives you that information you need to make smarter decisions.”

These drones keep CBP agents safer and allow them to work more efficiently. They don’t take any jobs away from people; in fact, drones are increasing CBP work opportunities. The agency has to hire, train, and license drone specialists. Each agent then receives additional training pertinent to the region they will be working in, the drone equipment they will be using, and any issues that may arise specific to their assignments with drones. It is a large investment, but one that is worth it. “As soon as people see that it works, they will want more,” Agent Soto said, who also serves as a trainer in the CBP drone program. “We’re training more people, getting more platforms out to the field, and hopefully, getting more success stories.”

CBP currently has hundreds of drones that are being used to patrol all borders in the United States. They are looking to increase drone capabilities, but often have to rely on local government agencies to lend a helping hand. One such community that is looking toward drone technology to aid in migrant crossings is the City of Sunland Park in southeastern New Mexico. As a border town, Sunland Park often sees migrant surges that pose safety risks to those trying to cross the border, as well as to residents of the small community.

City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante explained that migrants try to flee to Mount Cristo Rey along the Rio Grande. The mountain provides shelter, but many hikers easily get injured falling off its trails or are swept away by the river. “We get a lot of people, obviously immigrants, coming across NM 273 (McNutt Road), trying to either run or hide, and if they do, they go toward the river, toward areas that are vegetated. It’s very difficult for us to have line-of-sight,” said Juarez-Infante. “And sometimes they try to assimilate with the schools, so that’s the advantage of having the drones.”

Over the past year, at least 176 people have died trying to cross the border through towns like Sunland Park. The treacherous terrain is no match for many seeking refuge in the United States. Sunland Park is investing $6,000 to purchase three drones to be used by the police and fire departments. They plan to have officers trained, licensed, and operating the drones before the new year. Sunland Park says they plan to share all drone-collected data with CBP officials to assist in the migrant crisis. Drones are not a “save-all” solution for the situation, but they are providing federal and local agents with the tools they need to keep the United States’ borders safe.

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