Unmanned drones catch illegal immigrants

PHOENIX – A pilot program that uses unmanned aerial drones to monitor the Arizona-Mexico border has apprehended about 250 illegal immigrants in the month since it began, border officials say.

The drones, which were launched over Arizona on June 25, use thermal and night-vision equipment to spot illegal immigrants trying to cross the desert.

They can detect movement from 15 miles up, read a license plate, view a vehicle’s occupants and even detect weapons.

The drone program, which is financed by the Department of Homeland Security, is part of stepped-up surveillance officials hope will stem the tide of illegal immigrants who have made Arizona the busiest illegal entry point along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico.