EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
MIT Technology Review·21d ago·5 min read
The US spent billions on border surveillance. Why can’t it catch people before they die?
TL;DR
US Customs and Border Protection deployed AI-enabled surveillance towers to monitor border crossings, but they failed to prevent tragedies like the death of José Morales Bernal.
✦ Why It Matters
Evaluate the effectiveness of surveillance technologies in your own projects to ensure they meet intended outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Investigate the effectiveness of surveillance technology in your area.
- Push for accountability in government spending on border security.
- Engage with local representatives about humanitarian impacts.
- Support organizations working to document migrant deaths.
Full Summary
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has invested billions in surveillance technology, including AI-enabled towers from Anduril, to monitor the southern border. An investigation by MIT Technology Review revealed that over 1,050 people died near these towers between 2015 and early 2026, often within sight of the surveillance systems.
The analysis combined data from various sources, including nonprofit records and tower locations, to map these deaths. Findings indicate that many deaths occurred despite the towers' supposed capabilities, with some towers having limited visibility due to terrain.
Interviews with officials and agents revealed systemic failures in both technology and human response, raising questions about the effectiveness of the virtual wall. The investigation underscores a humanitarian crisis occurring under the watch of advanced surveillance technology.