The Use Of Advanced Optics In Border Security

By John Oncea, Editor

ICE uses advanced optics for border security: high-res cameras, infrared sensors, X-ray scanners, fiber optics, LiDAR, and drones. These tools enhance surveillance and detection capabilities.

Want to read a fun little story about border technologies? Check out this look at how infrared is used to fight the Canadian Cartel.

Looking for something more current? Let’s delve into what technologies might be used to beef up the southern border of the U.S. and deport 15 million people if Donald Trump wins the November election and follows through on his campaign promise.

And I hope this goes without saying, but I feel the need to say it. This is not an endorsement of a candidate or political ideology. It’s a simple look at how our industry’s technologies are – and can – be used at border crossings.

Technologies Currently Used On The Border

The optics of border crossings can be messy. But the optics used at border crossings tend to be less so.

Customs officials utilize a variety of advanced technologies to enhance border security and facilitate lawful trade and travel, including several optical technologies. One of these, according to The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), is high-resolution visible light cameras, widely deployed at border crossings to monitor activity and capture images of vehicles, people, and cargo. These provide real-time video surveillance and can be used to verify identities and detect suspicious behavior.

Infrared cameras and sensors that detect heat signatures are utilized as well. These cameras allow border agents to spot people and vehicles even in low-light conditions or concealed areas, a technology particularly useful for nighttime monitoring.

Scanning technologies are also prevalent at border crossings. Advanced X-ray scanning systems are employed to inspect vehicles and cargo containers for hidden compartments or contraband. These can produce detailed images of a vehicle’s interior without requiring physical inspection. Like X-ray scanners, gamma-ray systems provide high-resolution images of vehicles and cargo to detect anomalies or concealed items.

In addition, fiber optic sensing technologies are employed, including fiber optic cables that are installed along borders that function as distributed acoustic sensors, detecting vibrations from foot traffic, vehicles, or digging activities. This technology provides continuous monitoring over long distances. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in fiber optic cables can detect physical disturbances along a border fence or wall, alerting agents to potential climbing or tampering attempts.

Finally, LiDAR technology is used to create detailed 3D maps of border areas and detect changes in terrain that could indicate unauthorized crossings or tunneling activities.

These optical and sensing technologies work together to provide border agents with comprehensive situational awareness, enhancing their ability to detect and respond to potential security threats at border crossings. The integration of these systems allows for more effective screening of vehicles, cargo, and individuals entering the country.

Creating An Ecosystem Of Surveillance

Customs and border agencies employ sophisticated surveillance technologies to monitor border areas including fixed and mobile video surveillance systems, thermal imaging devices for detecting heat signatures, and radar systems, including maritime and ground radar. Unattended ground sensors detect movement or vibrations, and range finders measure distances. These surveillance tools provide comprehensive situational awareness along borders, helping detect and track illegal crossings or suspicious activities.

There are additional technologies integrated into this surveillance system, including:

• Scanning And Detection Equipment: To inspect cargo and detect contraband, customs officials use X-ray and gamma-ray scanners to examine vehicle contents and shipping containers. In addition, advanced sensors can detect minute changes in air pressure or gas composition to identify hidden compartments or substances.
• Biometric Technologies: Biometric identification systems are increasingly used at borders. This includes facial recognition cameras to match travelers against watchlists, as well as fingerprint scanners for identity verification.
• Data Analysis And AI: Modern border security relies heavily on data integration and analysis. Artificial intelligence systems process surveillance data and identify potential threats while centralized databases allow real-time information sharing between agencies.
• Aerial Technologies: Customs agencies also employ manned and unmanned aircraft equipped with sensors for aerial surveillance. This includes drones (small, unmanned aircraft systems) for monitoring remote areas
• Specialized Detection Systems: Some technologies target specific border security challenges such as tunnel detection and surveillance systems which locate clandestine underground passages and seismic sensors that detect underground activities or movements.

By integrating these technologies, customs officials can more effectively monitor borders, detect illegal activities, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel. The focus is increasingly on creating interconnected smart or virtual border systems that combine physical infrastructure with advanced digital technologies.

A Look At Some Technologies Used By ICE

utilizes several advanced optics and photonics technologies as part of its border security and surveillance efforts. This includes sophisticated camera systems along the U.S.-Mexico border composed of medium-wavelength infrared cameras and visible-wavelength electro-optical cameras.

These cameras are mounted on tall tower structures and provide enhanced target recognition capabilities during day, night, and limited-visibility conditions. The advanced zoom features allow detection from hundreds of feet to over a mile away. In addition to cameras, the border surveillance setup includes laser rangefinders that are also mounted on high-speed pan/tilt units on the tower structures to provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

ICE has implemented an integrated system called SBInet (Secure Border Initiative network) that combines various technologies including infrared sensors, remotely operated cameras, communications devices, radar, unattended ground sensors, and microwave data transmission systems. This “virtual fence” is designed to aid border patrol agents in identifying and intercepting 70-85% of illegal border crossings.

ICE also utilizes high-tech mobile equipment for observing and tracking potential illegal border crossings, giving agents an advantage in apprehending violators. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, operates small, unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for surveillance purposes, following Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

While these technologies enhance ICE’s capabilities, their use is subject to legal and privacy considerations. ICE must obtain proper authorizations, such as court-issued warrants, for certain surveillance activities and handle collected data in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

One Possible Future

If Trump is re-elected, his administration may leverage several advanced surveillance and data analysis technologies to support large-scale deportation efforts. ICE would likely expand its use of systems like the Investigative Case Management (ICM) platform, writes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This system, according to The Intercept, allows ICE agents to:

• Access a vast ecosystem of data from various law enforcement agencies
• Search across multiple government databases simultaneously
• Gather information on an individual's education, employment, phone records, immigration history, biometrics, and more

ICE’s strategy identifies the critical role of technology and data in maximizing the agency's ability to identify and track people. Future developments may include advanced AI-powered image and video analysis tools and improved facial recognition algorithms.

As drone technology advances, reports Radley Balko, ICE might incorporate high-resolution aerial surveillance drones and thermal imaging drones for night operations, as well as augmented reality devices for real-time data overlay during field operations and enhanced situational awareness. Future biometric systems could include gait recognition technology and voice pattern analysis.

Finally, ICE may adopt more sophisticated mobile devices with built-in thermal cameras and advanced optical character recognition for document scanning. While these technologies are not explicitly mentioned in the search results, they align with ICE’s focus on leveraging technology to enhance its operational capabilities in immigration enforcement, cybercrime investigation, and border security.