U.S. Army is eyes, ears for Border Patrol along border
U.S. Army is eyes, ears for Border Patrol along border
by Jamel Valencia
Thursday, June 6th 2019
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U.S. Army Mobile Surveillance Camera system
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — The military continues to combine forces with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol to protect the southwest border.
The Department of Defense, which has been assigned to border since October 2018, consists of soldiers and Marines to watch for illegal activity.
Brig. Gen. Walter Duzzny said they have helped in over 13,000 apprehensions and seizing more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana.
“Our soldiers are very proud of that. They are proud of that contribution they’ve been able to make here,” he said Thursday at a news conference showcasing the equipment being used to monitor the border.
Mobile surveillance camera systems that belong to BP are placed throughout the southwest border.
There are 150 mobile vehicles being manned by U.S. service members, including 10 in the El Paso Border Patrol sector, said BP agent Julian Najera.
The mobile units are in areas where agents can’t be due to the influx of migrants making their way, he said.
The technology from the Army provides high powered cameras and radar. Since February, soldiers have been able to see what’s happening and report any illegal activity to BP with the help of the mobile units.
Before service members stand guard at the border, they must go through a 40-hour training course to learn how to drive and use the truck.
“It teaches them (service members) how to become somewhat of a Border Patrol agent in a crash course,” said Najera. “That in itself is challenging for both of us.”
About 2,000 military soldiers are currently assigned to the area to assist CBP and BP in securing the border.
The mobile units are not the only measure in place to stop illegal activity.
In addition to manning the units, the Army has secured the 36 ports of entry along the southwest border, said Duzzny.
Service members have installed 670 miles of concertina wire to cover 180 miles of border.
Aerial support has also been provided by the Army and crisis support to help border agents on a 48-hour notice.
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