Article Entry
18 May 2009
Comments:22
Spy Satellites Being Used to Track Drug Dealers on Mexican Border
Added by USGIF Category: Daily Intelligence Brief
Tracking drug cartels near the Mexican border has gone to a whole new level. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) made the news today in the U.S. News & World Report article that highlights how it is using spy satellites to pinpoint Mexican narcotics operations and anticipate smuggling attempts into the United States. As federal law strictly limits U.S. military operations on American soil, unless authorized by Congress, any surveillance is done over the Mexican border, according to the NGA.
The American Civil Liberties Union weighed in on this and Chris Calabrese, an attorney with the Technology and Legal Project of the ACLU had this to say: “The idea that such a powerful tool might be turned on U.S. citizens is really troubling.”
What do you all think of this? Sounds like a very viable application of satellite imagery by the NGA. Also, in the wake of the swine flu outbreak, we are not hearing much news about the drug cartel problem in Mexico. Just because it’s not in the press does not mean that the problem has magically gone away. Welcome your thoughts.
Tags: GEOINT, geospatial intelligence, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, NGA, satellites tracking drug cartels in Mexico, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, USGIF
From Linked-In:
go for it, if we have the technology lets use it!
From Linked-In:
I don’t have an issue with it. I doubt whether they are tasking the satellites to look into the back yards of ordinary citizens.
I would assume there is an oversight committee that would ensure that resources are not mis-used in such a manner.
From Linked-In:
I am excited to see how the use of this technology affects drug trafficking operations.
From Linked-In:
I think this is appropriate since there is no other way to properly control US Borders. In fact I would have congress properly fund this – as the a part of securing US Borders especially in rural areas where there is no way to manage this with other technologies available today per se
From Linked-In:
And the problem is?? If they can use those means to stop the flow of drugs, guns etc then all for it who does it hurt, the drug dealers or the takers, either way it is a win win situation
From Linked-In:
Interesting comments, one and all. They are also using unmanned aircraft for the same mission.
From Linked-In:
This has gone on since the second world war and the deployment of Navy operated spotting platforms so I don’t get what the hub-bub is about.
So what if the NRO gets an order from MMCC to target US Borders with the NS11′s they are downgrading now that the better NS12s are operational. I mean really so what. This is what its all about – protecting the US’s commerce and borders from those that would attack them.
From Linked-In:
Surveillance is reactive and not proactive. I would consider it a waste unless they’re actually utilizing the tools for apprehension of illegal or criminal activity.
[...] Spy Satellites Being Used to Track Drug Dealers on Mexican Border – Got GEOINT? [...]
From Linked-In:
I say, all the assets that can be used should be used.
Above Statement-
“Surveillance is reactive and not proactive. I would consider it a waste unless they’re actually utilizing the tools for apprehension of illegal or criminal activity.”
That is where you are wrong. Surveillance is proactive. Have you ever heard of I&W (indications and warnings)? Besides it is the use of surveillance that gathers proof/intelligence of illegal activity. Without proactive sensors we don’t have any crime to fight.
From Linked-In:
I think it is the right thing to do.
From Linked-In:
Its a great idea. Should have been done a long time ago. Misuse? Its about time that we treat our border with Mexico as though it had some integrity.
From Linked-In:
Anything that can save our children from falling into the drags dealers trap is acceptable!
From Linked-In:
It sounds as if these satellites are being turned on citizens of other countries whose actions are detrimental to US interests, which presumably is what the satellites are for.
Can’t help but wonder, though, about the cost vs. benefit of using them against relatively small shipments at the tail end of the cartels’ organisation at the point where they cross the border, and whether this is more a proof of concept for employing the satellites, say, against illegal immigration, or in a military intervention – or finding ways to justify NRO salaries, when today’s enemies don’t telegraph their intentions with tank division and submarine movements. I’m with David: I’ll be fascinated to see what impact this has on drug trafficking.
From Linked-In:
It’s about time. Using of data and new security technologies are top priorites for the government in the fight against crime or terror. The technology is already here, the question is how do we use it.
From Linked-In:
My two cents are: 1) I don’t have a problem with this so long as the tasks potentially assignable to this asset have been properly prioritized, and 2) I want to point out that this capability is no substitute for a comprehensive on-the-ground sensor network.
Whatever it takes to get the job done! Besides, I think it is passable that big brother is keeping an eye on all of us from time to time. What I cannot seem to understand is if we can see a pimple on someone’s face from our satellites, then why can’t we find a 6’7” terrorist pushing a dialysis machine in the desert, with 50 people and guns around him…
From Linked-In:
Awesome. Should have been done many years ago.
From Linked-In:
I have no problem using the technology. If American citizens are part of the trafficking problem and are identified by the technology then they deserve to be punished under the full entent of the law..
From Linked-In:
I agree with with everyone’s thoughts and sentiments. It’s a great idea and long overdue. Now if we can just use those satellites in conjunction with a stronger Border force then we can attempt to control the flood of illegal immigrants as well.
From Linked-In:
I kinda thought that this is why spy satellites were developed. I hope that the attention to which these satellites were initially intended won’t be neglected just to fight drugs that Americans are importing.