local
Editorial: Use of technology to monitor our border better uses resources
By MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News
· July 11, 2026
· 3 min read
The Donald Trump administration has shifted its border strategy, and resources, a bit to rely more on technology than on walls and military troops that many say give Americans a poor return on the billions of tax funds invested on them. Trump’s administration has backed away from its stated goal ...
Key takeaway Congress has allocated $46 billion to the smart wall, which will augment existing systems by placing more cameras and sensors to monitor the more than 2,000 miles of border.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The shift towards a "smart wall" approach in border security has significant implications for the Rio Grande Valley, particularly in terms of resource allocation and effectiveness. By leveraging technology such as cameras and sensors, the region can expect a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, as maintenance costs will be lower compared to the expenses associated with deploying troops. This is especially relevant in Hidalgo County, where the presence of state troopers, Texas military, and National Guard troops has been felt through Operation Lone Star. The use of motion and heat sensors to detect tunnel excavation and construction could also enhance security in areas like McAllen , where the border landscape presents unique challenges. As the smart wall system is developed, it will be crucial to address concerns raised by environmentalists and other stakeholders, ensuring that the technology is implemented in a way that balances security needs with local concerns.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Donald Trump administration has shifted its border strategy, and resources, a bit to rely more on technology than on walls and military troops that many say give Americans a poor return on the billions of tax funds invested on them. Trump’s administration has backed away from its stated goal ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by MyRGV.com (The Monitor) - All News. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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