WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  As he continues to closely monitor the rollout of new border surveillance technology on the U.S.-Mexico border, Congressman Mike Rogers said today the new border camera and sensor system needs further improvement before taxpayers feel confident the system will work as planned.

Rogers made the comments after meeting this week with Homeland Security Department (DHS) officials who explained why the new system did not function properly at a recent test. Known as Project 28, the experimental pilot project covers 28 miles of border region in Arizona with cameras, sensors and radars to help form a “virtual fence.”

“Securing our borders quickly and cost-effectively must be one of our nation’s top priorities,” Rogers said. “I am disappointed this pilot program did not work as planned initially, but am hopeful Federal officials have made the changes necessary to get this right for the next test. Far too many taxpayer dollars have been spent on this surveillance technology so far, with far too few results shown for the investment.”

In the initial test, Rogers said DHS officials cited radar that did not properly track movement along the border and a faulty integration of the technology. Rogers said the Department assured him the contractor building the system had fixed the problems, and the next test would be a success.

“Securing our borders is an important national security priority, and it is critical the Department gets this system to work as planned,” Rogers added.  Rogers is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security, and said he authored legislative language the House approved earlier this year to require financial reviews of the program. 

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