CBP Continues to Evaluate Cross-Border Tunnel Detection Technologies – For Official Use Only//Law Enforcement Sensitive

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to evaluate and obtain critical technology needed to identify, assess, breach, and remediate cross-border tunnels and has made progress in its efforts since our 2021 audit on border technology.   The Department of Homeland Security in January 2020 and January 2024 approved testing by the Cross-Border Tunnel Threat program of two critical tunnel detection technologies to evaluate whether they are functional and viable solutions.  At the time of this audit, these technologies were being tested for effectiveness in operational conditions and eventual vendor selection.   Based on CBP’s progress, it was too early for us to audit the effectiveness of these technologies and therefore we made no recommendations.  We note, however, that once CBP selects its tunnel detection technology solutions, the program’s success will require adequate program resources and effective coordination between CBP offices.