CBP Has Improved Southwest Border Technology, but Significant Challenges Remain

In response to Executive Order 13767, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented new tools and technologies that have enhanced Border Patrol’s surveillance capabilities and efficiency along the southwest border. However, these upgrades are incomplete as CBP has deployed only about 28 percent of planned technology solutions, even after receiving more than $700 million in funding for new technology since fiscal year 2017. Consequently, most southwest Border Patrol sectors still rely predominantly on obsolete systems and infrastructure with limited capabilities. CBP faces additional challenges that reduced the effectiveness of its existing technology. Border Patrol officials stated they had inadequate personnel to fully leverage surveillance technology or maintain information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure on site. Further, we identified security vulnerabilities on some CBP servers and workstations not in compliance due to disagreement about the timeline for implementing DHS configuration management requirements. CBP is not well-equipped to assess its technology effectiveness to respond to these deficiencies. Overall, these deficiencies have limited CBP’s ability to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens who may pose threats to national security. Deploying adequate technologies to complement the physical wall and infrastructure will be essential for CBP to ensure effective operational control of the southern border. We made three recommendations to improve CBP’s border technology, enhance situational awareness of the southwest border, and address potential IT security vulnerabilities. CBP concurred with all three recommendations.