San Diego, California – In the wake of a deadly maritime smuggling event off the coast of Del Mar that killed three people, including a 14-year-old boy, Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) is calling for a significant federal investment in coastal surveillance to prevent future tragedies.
At a press conference Monday, Levin announced he is requesting $60 million in federal funding to support the installation of autonomous surveillance towers (ASTs) along San Diego’s coastline. The proposed towers would use cameras, radar, and infrared technology to detect unauthorized vessels attempting to reach shore undetected.
“These tragedies underscore the urgent need for better maritime border security,” Levin said. “We must do more to stop human smugglers from risking lives in these perilous waters.”…