Dystopian robot dogs are the latest in a long history of US-Mexico border surveillance:Each is embedded with different types of cameras (thermal, night vision, long-range) and sensors (chemical, weapons detection). DHS praised the device's ability to cross multiple terrains -- including sand, rocks and hills -- and its durability in high heat and cramped spaces.
DHS' choice of vendor sparked additional concern. While most police departments leased their pups from Boston Dynamics, which forbids customers weaponizing any of their tech, DHS chose Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics. Late last year, the company debuted a version of its robot dogs equipped with long-range guns capable of hitting targets at a reported 1,200 meters.
DHS's oddly cheery blogpost also implied the robots would be used beyond the border itself, including "towns, cities, or ports'' where DHS agents might encounter dangerous conditions. Federal officials have increased authority to stop and search civilians within 100 miles of the border, despite fourth amendment protections against arbitrary or excessive stops and seizures.
Wait, beyond the border? US Federal officials are patrolling towns, cities and ports 100 miles into Mexico? WTAF?
No, just within the US. But this 100 mile rule is based on a DOJ decision from the 50's:
https://www.aclu.org/other/constitution-100-mile-border-zone
But that's not beyond the border, that's inside the border.
That all depends on which direction you're heading.
Different agency, but the DEA apparently once took over a Bolivian town for three days. One drug kingpin was so worried that: "In self-defense against the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Suárez established his own private air force, as well as a private army of 1,500 soldiers and Libyan-trained bodyguards.[11]"
Here's a lovely gallery of corporate ones they've rolled out, because even murderbots get product placement.
https://www.ghostrobotics.io/solutions
When I'm on the meathook I'll have plenty of time to reflect on why I should have chosen aws!
FYI- the "Comments" link for this post doesn't appear on mobile.
It does for me.
Alt. soundtrack (thanks for the mixtapes).