Following reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have been working with inoperable radios and associated communications equipment, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) sent a letter to Acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, asking if his department was doing enough to ensure that CBP personnel can effectively communicate with one another.
Tester stated that the lack of reliable communication equipment was a direct threat to both agent safety and border security.
“Shortfalls in secure, reliable communications systems have been brought to our attention by the National Border Patrol Council, individual Border Patrol agents, and by CBP itself,” Tester said. “In particular, Border Patrol agents have reported to us and our staff that, in some locations, radios and infrastructure rarely support reliable agent-to-agent or agent-to-station communications.”
Tester continued, stating that in the absence of reliable radio coverage, agents often had to be creative in finding workaround solutions. He specifically referenced the more than 25,000 tactical radio units that have exceeded their useful lives and were no longer supported by the manufacturer.
The senator subsequently called for CBP to purchase equipment in order to better protect CBP agents and ensure they can effectively communicate with one another.
“In order to keep our borders secure, Border Patrol agents must have the most up-to-date technology,” Tester said. “Along the northern and southern border, we are only as strong as our weakest link, and that is why it is critical that we shore up gaps in communication and ensure that Customs and Border Protection has the tools necessary to keep Montanans and Americans safe.”
McAleenan did not immediately respond to Tester’s inquiry.