SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) will launch the tethered aerostat, “Argos,” at U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Station South Padre Island this month.
Argos was a 'giant with 100 eyes' in Greek Mythology.
As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has seen upticks in transportation avenues and conveyances for illegal smuggling, fishing, and immigration activities, AMO will launch the Argos aerostat to enhance CBP’s and DHS’s ability to confront these increases.
Border Patrol Aerostat Blimp (Courtesy/CBP)
This is the second deployment of an aerostat at South Padre Island, and past deployments have enhanced CBP’s border security posture, expanded its situational awareness capabilities, and increased reach and ability for USCG and other state and local law enforcement organizations.
The specific surveillance technology onboard the aerostat is designed to collect information about cross-border traffic and associated activities and is not intended to interfere in non-criminal activity, and all data transmitted to law enforcement entities is stored and protected in accordance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements for privacy.
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