Surveillance Towers on the U.S.-Canada Border: A New Era of Border Security

In Derby, Vermont, a newly erected surveillance tower stands tall, gazing north toward Quebec, mere meters away.

Perched atop the structure, cameras vigilantly monitor the Canadian border, embodying a strategic response to a surge in irregular crossings into the U.S. from Canada.

A Familiar Sight from the Southern Border

These towers, a recent addition to the northern frontier, have long dotted the U.S.-Mexico border. Since the mid-2000s, the U.S. Border Patrol has employed surveillance towers, drones, and advanced sensors to curb unauthorized southern border crossings.

Now, these technologies are making their way north. American officials are expanding this strategy to the Canadian border, compelling Canada to follow suit. Investments are being channeled into drones, sensors, and surveillance towers, part of a broader effort to fortify the border and avert trade tariffs threatened by former President Donald Trump.

Technology Deployment Sparks Debate

Despite the technological advancements, experts and advocates express concerns. Petra Molnar, associate director of York University's Refugee Lab, warns of potential risks to migrants, privacy issues, and the enrichment of military contractors.

"There's a normalization of tech at the northern border now," Molnar observes, noting Canada's perceived pressure to align with U.S. expectations. The expansion signals an increase in surveillance infrastructure, including drones and towers.

A Quiet Yet Monitored Landscape

On a recent morning near Stanstead, Quebec, the landscape appeared serene, marked only by shallow ditches and stone markers delineating the border. Yet, the towering surveillance structure looms conspicuously over the town, a testament to the U.S.'s dedication to border monitoring.

Documents from the United States Customs and Border Patrol (USBP) reveal plans to enhance remote surveillance in the Swanton sector, a region covering northern New York and Vermont, known for frequent irregular crossings.

Rising Encounters and Reinforced Surveillance

USBP reported over 21,000 migrant crossings from Canada in the first ten months of 2024, with nearly 18,000 in the Swanton Sector alone. This increase underscores a need for technology-based surveillance, as traditional patrols prove insufficient over vast territories.

Canada's Response: Increased Security Measures

In response, Canada's Public Safety Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, announced a $1.3 billion investment over six years for new border security initiatives. This includes a task force to provide continuous surveillance and bolster existing patrols.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is also enhancing its drone usage for border surveillance. The new task force will employ mobile surveillance towers and artificial intelligence to strengthen border control.

Criticism and Concerns

Critics argue that these technological measures are costly and may not effectively deter crossings. A 2019 study from the University of Arizona found that such infrastructure pushes migration routes into perilous terrains, increasing fatalities.

Molnar cautions that more surveillance could drive migrants to dangerous routes, potentially mirroring the humanitarian crisis seen at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Balancing Security and Humanitarian Concerns

David Grondin, a researcher at the Université de Montréal, suggests Canada is reacting to U.S. pressures without guaranteeing enhanced border security. Both Grondin and Molnar, seasoned participants in border security technology expositions, have witnessed the growing emphasis on drones, sensors, and AI-powered tools.

As Canada and the U.S. ramp up border surveillance, the challenge remains to balance security measures with humanitarian responsibilities, ensuring policies do not inadvertently risk lives or infringe on privacy rights. The evolving landscape of border security calls for careful consideration and dialogue between nations, experts, and advocates.