DHS deploys technology for virtual fence

The Department of Homeland Security is now turning its attention to creating the "virtual" component for the lengthy fence along the U.S. Mexican border.

The technology plan is to construct a series of networked microwave towers that will hold sensors, cameras and communications equipment. This technology presumably will help agents monitor the border to detect movement and keep out illegal immigrants and drug smugglers.

If it works as intended, the system will collect and integrate the data for border agents, and give them real-time information. The towers will be built first in Arizona, the busiest corridor for illegal entries, and initially cover about 23 miles.

Planning for the virtual fence and towers began in 2003, but has been delayed by political, environmental and technical problems. The virtual fence will eventually cover 2,000 miles along the border.

For more on technology and the border fence:
- see this nextgov.com article