Border agents launch aerostat in Florida Keys to combat smuggling

In September 2023, the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) arm of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency announced the launch of a tethered surveillance balloon system named "Argos 2" over Cudjoe Key in the Florida Keys. This initiative aims to enhance monitoring capabilities for illegal immigration and drug smuggling activities. The aerostat, utilizing a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS), can reach altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet, allowing for long-range radar surveillance that overcomes line-of-sight limitations due to the earth's curvature. The deployment of the Argos 2 is a response to increasing illegal activities observed by the Department of Homeland Security, including smuggling and unauthorized fishing. The TARS system has been operational since 1980 and has proven effective in detecting suspicious air traffic along U.S. borders. The aerostat, manufactured by ILC Dover LP, is designed to provide panoramic surveillance over a range of approximately 200 miles. Historically, TARS has played a crucial role in border security, detecting about 68% of flights suspected of smuggling between 2014 and 2020. The system not only aids federal agencies but also supports local and state law enforcement, including the U.S. Coast Guard, in their efforts to monitor and enforce border security. The introduction of the Argos 2 is expected to bolster the situational awareness of border agents and enhance their operational capabilities in combating illegal activities, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts to secure the U.S. southern border effectively.