Cutting-Edge Military-Grade Surveillance Gear to Debut at Phoenix Border Security Expo Next Month

Phoenix is set to host the Border Security Expo on April 8 and 9 at the Phoenix Convention Center, attracting not only tech and military companies but also high-profile speakers including Tom Homan, known as President Trump’s “border czar.” This convention serves as a platform for these vendors to showcase their products to government officials from various countries.

According to Dave Maass, director of investigations for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the expo primarily functions as a marketplace for tech companies eager to obtain government contracts. Past events have featured technologies such as AI and advanced surveillance systems.

Throughout his administration, former President Trump prioritized border security, an issue central to his campaign. However, the methods employed by his administration have often come under fire for lacking transparency and due process in immigration practices.

The event this year is closed to the press, as indicated by restrictions placed on credential requests from outlets such as the Arizona Mirror. Notably, the convention lists media partners, including pro-law enforcement publications, raising questions about transparency.

Among the anticipated speakers, Homan, who backed the controversial “zero tolerance” policy during his tenure as acting director of ICE, will provide opening remarks at the event’s “State of the Border” panel. Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels is also scheduled to discuss local border issues.

Numerous companies will be vying for attention at the expo, many of which are already entrenched in military contracting. Companies like Thales Defense and Security Inc., a subsidiary of a major French aerospace firm, will be showcasing systems used at U.S. ports of entry. Others, such as BAE Systems, are similarly aligned with military contracts.

Of particular note is CACI International, a contractor previously found liable for its involvement in the Abu Ghraib torture cases. The firm has a history of contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and raises concerns about the ethical implications of its participation in the expo.

The expo will also see participation from GEO Group, a private prison company facing allegations related to inadequate compensation for detainee labor. Despite its controversial track record, the company’s stocks have soared under the former administration.

Constellis, a private security firm formed from the merger of Blackwater and Constellis, will also be present, alongside Anduril Industries, which has established close associations with notable figures in the defense technology sector.

Additionally, the expo emphasizes military-grade products for border control. Companies such as ProTech Defense and QuickSet Defense Technologies will showcase advanced surveillance tools marketed to both law enforcement and military customers.

Moreover, the expo will spotlight anti-drone technology, reflective of recent legislative efforts in Arizona to empower local law enforcement to neutralize drones perceived as threats. Several exhibitors will promote solutions designed to counteract unwelcome drone activity along the border.

The event will also discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in surveillance and border security. Companies like Overland AI are focused on autonomous military vehicles, while others, such as ShadowDragon, handle social media monitoring, raising privacy concerns among critics.

Despite the event being largely inaccessible to the general public, some attendees can participate for a fee, while government employees may gain free entry. The expo is sponsored by Akima, with affiliations to various supporting organizations including the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which has drawn scrutiny for its controversial policy positions.

Overall, the Border Security Expo promises to be a significant gathering point for actors in the border security and immigration enforcement landscape, reflecting ongoing debates about the intersection of technology, ethics, and policy.