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Integrated Fixed Towers Certified

Release Date
Tue, 03/22/2016

U.S. Border Patrol Conditionally Accepts IFTs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Border Patrol certified the Integrated Fixed Tower program meets its operational requirements in a memo sent to Congress’ Committee on Appropriations and lead acquisition official on March 1, 2016. 

The certification of the IFT program means that further deployment of the technology is authorized under the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act based on current and future needs and requirements.

“The U. S. Border Patrol certifies that the Integrated Fixed Tower (IFT) program meets its operational requirements.  This decision is based on a review of test results and agent feedback from the IFT deployment in Nogales, Arizona,” said Ronald Vitiello, Acting Chief U.S. Border Patrol.  “Test results and agent feedback confirm that the IFT system adds surveillance capability, increasing situational awareness and officer safety.”

The Integrated Fixed Tower system provides detection and identification of items of interest enabling Border Patrol agents to more efficiently and effectively respond to border incursions.

Each fixed surveillance tower unit consists of a fixed tower equipped with a suite of sensors including radar, electro-optical and infrared surveillance cameras, necessary power generation and communications equipment, capable of continuously detecting and tracking items of interest.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021