The United States Boosts Border Control With Drones, Tech

The US Border Patrol has deployed drones and advanced communications technologies to combat human and narcotics trafficking on the border with Mexico. This operational modernization responds to an intensified security policy promoted from Washington, reconfiguring interception tactics in the region.

The tools will allow federal agencies to maintain constant coverage over vast desert areas, which are used by criminal organizations for the movement of drugs. The administration of US President Donald Trump has exerted commercial pressure on Mexico, including threats of imposing tariffs, to demand an increase in efforts to contain illicit traffic along the almost 3,200km of common border.

The drones not only focus on combating drug trafficking, but are also key to locate migrants in the desert, an environment that presents lethal risks. Dora Rodriguez, Founder, Salvavision, points out the dangers associated with human trafficking networks, which promote crossings under false promises of ease.

Operational data reflects a change in interception patterns following the implementation of these measures. During fiscal year 2025, the Border Patrol registered 237,538 "encounters" with migrants. This figure represents a substantial reduction compared to the more than 1.5 million encounters reported in the previous period.

Washington is expected to maintain the demand on Mexico to redouble its efforts, suggesting a continuity in the high priority of border security and, therefore, a continued reliance on technological solutions for surveillance and territorial control.