This spring, participants from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program ventured to the Southern U.S. border for a unique opportunity to engage with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operations and get an in-depth look at the tactical deployment of drone technology in border security.
The students, homeland security and defense practitioners themselves, observed firsthand how CBP utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and counter UAV technology to manage and mitigate risks associated with border security. This experience highlighted the evolving role of technology in safeguarding the nation’s boundaries, as traditional threats now extend into the aerial realm with the proliferation of drones.
“The visit was truly eye-opening. At the border patrol station with the highest number of illegal drone crossings on the southwest border, we got a firsthand look at just how serious the drone threat has become,” said one student, adding that “the sheer volume of unauthorized drone flights is a growing problem and poses a real threat to border security efforts.”
The visit was executed through the partnership between the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Homeland Defense Innovation Lab (HDIL) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) through the Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative (DPSI) with the mission to strengthen national security and defense.
“We got a firsthand look at just how serious the drone threat has become. The sheer volume of unauthorized drone flights is a growing problem and poses a real threat to border security efforts.”
– HDIL Strategy Team 4
This partnership is an example of how CHDS is helping federal agencies connect and build resilience with local and state partners, equipping students with practical experience by engaging them in technology assessments, gap analyses, and direct collaborations with DOD and DHS personnel.
Members of Strategy Team 4 during their visit the Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station
These insights are then applied within their home agencies, fostering more effective and informed homeland defense and security solutions. This collaboration not only strengthens local capabilities but also provides critical feedback to refine national defense strategies.
The Homeland Defense Innovation Lab is a unique environment where practitioners from all levels of government and the private sector can enhance their capabilities in a time of dynamic threats and limited resources. HDIL’s impact is evident in its ability to facilitate real-time solutions to security challenges, leveraging the collective expertise of both academic and operational sectors.
The DPSI and CHDS partnership’s boots-on-the-ground approach fueled students with newfound knowledge, resulting in modifications to their research approach. “We are pivoting our research based on what we heard on the ground,” explained another student, who emphasized the importance of operational and policy considerations in developing and applying counter-drone measures.
The students noted challenges in widely implementing these systems due to high costs, regulatory constraints, and the complexity of geographic needs. “What seems to work best is a layered defense, combining early detection, threat identification, mobile response units, and a mix of radio frequency and kinetic counter-drone tools. The visit made it clear: If we want to stay ahead of these threats, we need smarter funding strategies and a more deliberate rollout of [Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System] technology,” one student remarked.
Through their collaboration with DPSI, CHDS students are gaining insight into how to solve real-world problems while enhancing their educational journey and contributing to national security efforts. This partnership continues to reinforce the strategic integration of academic knowledge with innovative defense solutions, ensuring that homeland security and defense leaders are well-prepared to address evolving challenges on the local, state and national levels.
