Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the recent move by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to test military-owned equipment as part of border security operations in the Rio Grande Valley:

“As a Member of Congress representing a district along the U.S.–Mexico border, I applaud the work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in creatively allocating funds for border security,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.  “I have consistently advocated for law enforcement and border security agencies to use smart border technology to address the 21^st century problem of securing our nation’s boundaries. By reusing military equipment along the southern border, Customs and Border Protection saves valuable federal funds and improves border security for Valley residents and people across the country.”

Aerostats are large, balloon-like devices that contain sensor equipment allowing operators to observe activity along the border that could pose a threat. The military-owned equipment provides a larger viewing area than the currently employed devices.  According to Customs and Border Protection, the equipment will be used in Peñitas, on the Starr/Hidalgo county line, and in Brooks County near Falfurrias.