U.S. Border Patrol unveils new vehicle barrier system at Sierra Blanca checkpoint

SIERRA BLANCA, Texas (KVIA) -- The U.S. Border Patrol has unveiled a first-of-its-kind advanced vehicle barrier system at the Sierra Blanca immigration checkpoint along Interstate 10, marking the first deployment of the technology at a permanent Border Patrol checkpoint nationwide.

The checkpoint sits just outside Sierra Blanca, Texas, along one of the busiest highway corridors in the country and processes thousands of vehicles each day traveling through the southern United States.

Officials said the semi-autonomous system, known as the GRAB 350, is designed to enhance public safety, strengthen border security and deter dangerous attempts to evade inspection.

The system was developed by Global GRAB Technologies and installed at the permanent checkpoint in Hudspeth County, about 90 miles east of El Paso.

The new technology is intended to stop vehicles attempting to flee at high speeds before pursuits move onto public roadways.

Agents said there were around 10 attempts to bypass the checkpoint over the last year.

“Even one is a problem. Even one getting through this area at high speeds, exhibiting desperation, trying to flee law enforcement, flee accountability is problematic,” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Lloyd Easterling said.

The active vehicle barrier uses a layered approach that includes traffic lights, sirens, an energy absorbing ground retractable steel barrier and an in ground tire shredding system.

Both components are certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Safety Act and allow agents to rapidly disable fleeing vehicles within the checkpoint perimeter.

The system is crash certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials and is designed to stop extremely large vehicles traveling at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour.

Trained agents can deploy the system remotely from one of four control locations inside the checkpoint, reducing the risk to personnel.

“They are not going to hit more than 60 miles an hour, which the system is designed to stop. So even a tractor-trailer, if they attempt to flee, it will not pick up that much speed as well,” Sierra Blanca station Watch Commander Josue Rojo said.

From a public safety perspective, Border Patrol officials said the technology is designed to reduce high-speed chases, collisions, injuries and loss of life. From an agent safety standpoint, the system increases distance and control during enforcement actions and reduces the need for close-contact vehicle interventions.

“This is not a pilot or a concept, it is a fully operational enforcement capability,” Easterling said. “We will use every appropriate tool available to protect the American public and our agents as we unapologetically enforce the law.”

Border Patrol officials said the barrier system cost $1.7 million and includes a one-year warranty.

They said the investment is worth the cost to protect travelers who may not even be aware the system is in place.

The agency emphasized the system is less than lethal and will be used only by trained and certified agents.

Officials said the Sierra Blanca checkpoint is an ideal location to evaluate the technology and depending on results, similar systems could be installed at other checkpoints across the country.