In this episode of Critical Connections, two retired Border Patrol veterans share how border security tech has transformed over the last 25 years. Eddie Wagner, now at MissionRT, and Alejandro Cavazos, Business Development Advisor at Dejero, reflect on field realities and why reliable connectivity now underpins modern border operations.

They trace the shift from Vietnam-era sensors to AI-enabled drones, body-worn tech capable of livestreaming 22 miles offshore, and resilient mesh networks built to work where coverage once didn’t exist. They also unpack why fiber infrastructure matters, how body-cams protect both officers and communities, and the growing role of tools like ATAK phones in autonomous field work.

Highlights:

• Tech evolution from 1999 to today
• Connectivity in remote environments
• Body-worn cameras and transparency
• ATAK devices for field operations
• Fiber optics as the future backbone
• Building the case for government tech investment
• Policy momentum shaping border modernization

Whether you’re in law enforcement, government technology, or simply interested in how innovation is solving real-world challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, public safety, and national security.