The Download: investigating deaths at the US border’s “virtual wall”
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This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The US spent billions on border surveillance. Why can’t it catch people before they die? When José Morales Bernal crossed the border into the US in April 2024, th
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A dimly lit border surveillance control room with monitors displaying empty desert landscapes, a stack of outdated technology manuals, and a technician dozing off in a chair.
Caption: Spending billions on a 'virtual wall' to catch people before they die, yet here we are.
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Based on the original story on technologyreview.com.
Editor's note
The US has poured significant resources into border surveillance, yet tragedies like the one involving José Morales Bernal continue to unfold. This highlights the urgent need for better coordination and support for local authorities and communities on the ground to address the complex challenges at the border.
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Panel 1
*A sunny day, Alex and Sam are at a tech expo booth showcasing a new border surveillance system. Robin is seen in the background, fiddling with a drone.* Alex (excitedly) Sam (deadpan)
Alex: Our new virtual wall technology will make sure no one slips through!
Sam: It better. We’ve spent billions on this stuff.
Panel 2
*Alex is demonstrating the system on a screen showing various sensors and cameras. Robin’s drone hovers above, taking random photos.* Robin (cheerfully) Alex (smiling) Sam (sarcastically)
Robin: Hey, my drone can spot people from a mile away!
Alex: Our system uses AI to predict illegal crossings before they happen!
Sam: Yeah, and it’s only missed a few thousand so far.
Panel 3
*The booth suddenly goes dark, and the system malfunctions. Robin’s drone crashes to the ground. Alex looks worried, Sam rolls his eyes.* Alex (worried) Robin (laughing) Sam (deadpan)
Alex: Uh, looks like we need to upgrade the power supply.
Robin: Maybe the drone could help find the power cables!
Sam: I guess we need to work on both the hardware and the software.
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