Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA482803 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Within the Department of Homeland Security DHS, Customs and Border Protection CBP is the lead agency charged with securing our nations borders. While CBP is charged with overall border enforcement, within the bureau a distinction is made concerning border enforcement at and between ports of entry POE. At POE, CBP officers are responsible for conducting immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections on individuals presenting themselves for entry into the United States. Between POE, the United States Border Patrol USBP is charged with detecting and preventing the entry of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and unauthorized aliens into the country, and interdicting drug smugglers and other criminals. Congress has expressed a great deal of interest in using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs to surveil the United States international land border. This report examines the strengths and limitations of deploying UAVs along the borders and related issues for Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant.

Author(s):
Bolkcom, Christopher ; Nunez-neto, Blas
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress.
Pagination:
0007

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-RS21698
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5.6.1_Assess Compliance with Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.1.1_Wired Transmission; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_8.2.1_Partner with Governments and Institutions
Communities of Interest:
Autonomy
Descriptor(s):
*LIMITATIONS, *REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLES, *SURVEILLANCE DRONES, *OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, *COST EFFECTIVENESS, *BORDER SECURITY, LEGISLATION, FEDERAL BUDGETS, MEXICO, DRUG SMUGGLING, LOITERING, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AVIATION SAFETY, RANGE(DISTANCE), AVIATION ACCIDENTS, CANADA, PATROLLING, CONGRESS, WEATHER
Field(s)/Group(s):
Pilotless Aircraft, Civil Defense
Keyword(s):
UAV(UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES), ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES, INCLEMENT WEATHER, NATIONAL AIR SPACE, CIVILIAN AIRSPACE
Report Date:
2008 May 13
Creation Date:
2008 Jul 09