A New York Times investigation has revealed that President Donald Trump's expanding AI-powered border surveillance system, which includes over 1,500 towers funded with more than $1 billion, can monitor activities in residential neighborhoods, playgrounds, and even inside homes. The system, described as a 'smart wall' with cameras that are 'always watching,' has raised significant privacy concerns among residents living within its range. Over a million people in the United States and Mexico reside within potential view of these towers, according to the newspaper's analysis. Eloisa Cavazos, a resident of Mission, Texas, whose home is directly across from one of the towers, reported that the system tracks her movements, including who she is with and who enters and exits her home. The surveillance system is designed to follow individuals as they move between overlapping coverage areas, meaning that moving out of one tower's range does not necessarily remove someone from surveillance. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claims the technology is essential for border security and respects privacy and civil liberties, but the Times noted that individuals cannot opt out of the surveillance. Anduril, the company building most of the towers, disputed the Times' findings, stating that customers can block designated areas from monitoring, though CBP has not explained how frequently this safeguard is used. Former Laredo Councilman Gene Belmares, a Republican, expressed concerns about government surveillance, stating, 'We don't want to be surveilled by our government.' Dave Maass of the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticized the program as a 'costly boondoggle,' noting that similar technology claims have been made in the past but often fail to deliver results when reviewed by oversight bodies. The Times' investigation used drone footage to demonstrate the system's reach, showing children on playgrounds, people entering and leaving homes, and vehicles traveling through town. The report highlights growing tensions between national security initiatives and individual privacy rights, with critics arguing that the surveillance program lacks transparency and accountability.

MACHANG, Oct 17 (Bernama) — Police are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance along all border routes in Kelantan to curb cross-border crime, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the directive had been issued to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat to ensure continuous physical surveillance along the border. “Among the measures taken are the demolition of illegal jetties and enforcement of the law against individuals crossing the border without valid documents,” he told a press conference after attending the launch ceremony for the 2026 Home Ministry’s Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI initiatives here today. However, […]

Surveillance towers, increasingly powered by AI, promised faster responses to crossings. Our investigation of deaths near the towers found they are failing to deliver.

Surveillance towers, increasingly powered by AI, promised faster responses to crossings. Our investigation of deaths near the towers found they are failing to deliver.

Life and Migration Under Surveillance at the U.S.-Mexico Border

New DHS initiative uses biometric empathy scanners to flag “suspicious humanity” at border zones.

New DHS initiative uses biometric empathy scanners to flag “suspicious humanity” at border zones.

Increased border surveillance risks more asylum seeker deaths, costing $1.3B while eroding rights and safety. Canada must uphold its humanitarian obligations.

The intersection of immigration, border enforcement, new technology and specifically artificial intelligence, is racing toward more intense and more violent border enforcement strategies that are fuel...