The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking to innovate border surveillance with a fleet of AI-powered trucks, officially termed the Modular Mobile Surveillance System (M2S2). The plan involves outfitting standard 4×4 vehicles with advanced technologies, including radar, high-resolution cameras, and autonomous tracking capabilities, allowing these vehicles to operate as mobile surveillance towers in remote areas.
This initiative was revealed through federal contracting records highlighting a presolicitation notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The proposed system would enable agents to deploy surveillance quickly by raising a telescoping mast to detect motion up to several miles away. Computer vision technology would play a crucial role, allowing the AI to interpret visual data and differentiate between moving objects such as people and vehicles.
The creation of M2S2 aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified measures against undocumented immigration, backed by significant funding increases for DHS to enhance enforcement and surveillance capabilities. The proposed budget aims to allocate about $160 billion over several years to bolster border enforcement initiatives, marking the largest expansion in the agency’s history.
Documents suggest that M2S2 would provide real-time location tracking of objects within 250 feet, potentially improving to within 50 feet. Data from surveillance missions would be shared through a tactical mapping platform developed by the U.S. Defense Department, supporting operational coordination.
The system is expected to operate in two modes: one where an agent is present and another for unattended operations where onboard AI conducts monitoring and alerts remote operators of suspicious activities. All mission data, including video and sensor readings, must be retained for a minimum of 15 days, protected against deletion.
Importantly, the information collected will be classified as Controlled Unclassified Information, ensuring that operational strategies and sensitive data remain secure. Contractors are invited to provide feedback on the proposal, with formal bidding anticipated in early 2026, which underscores the urgency of the project.
M2S2 aims to be modular, allowing its components to be transferred to different vehicles quickly. Each truck would be part of a larger surveillance network, transmitting data via various communication modes such as cellular and satellite. The system is designed for high levels of autonomy and rapid response capabilities, integrating advanced computer vision with essential cybersecurity measures.
This initiative represents a significant leap in U.S. border surveillance technology, transforming how surveillance is conducted by utilizing adaptive, mobile platforms capable of operating independently and efficiently in previously unmonitored areas.
