KVOA News 4 AZ 02-13-2008 Video

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Three months ago, Techno Patriots began monitoring the border online.

With cameras set up in areas known for illegal traffic, members can log on and report their findings.

So, is Techno Patriots proving to be a success?

Since the group started back in November, 90 members have joined, some from as far away as Germany.

Jon Healy is the mastermind behind Techno Patriots.

You’ll often find him out in the field with his laptop.

“We’ve got a thermal imaging camera here that I control with a remote control, and it allows me to pan and tilt.”

Techno Patriots is planning an “Operation Cyber Watch Alliance” later this month. It will give people a chance to learn more about the group and its technology.

Other plans include setting up a hotline for homeowners dealing with a high volume of illegal traffic.

Healy says, “They can give us a call and we’ll come out and set up cameras and start monitoring their property.”

Healy predicts Techno Patriots will eventually be the leading watch group on the border. “The way that we’re setting up our system, we believe, will give us operational control over the border.”

So far, the Techno Patriots have reported 56 sightings on their website.

Members say their sightings have also helped Border Patrol make 48 apprehensions.

It costs $10 to become a Techno Patriot.

WSMV News 4 TN 02-08-2008 Video

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Illegal immigrants are the target of a new watch program that allows the public to participate from their own home.

Using a regular home computer with an Internet connection, in a matter of seconds a resident can be on the front lines in the war against illegal immigration.

This Web site allows users to watch the U.S. – Mexico border in the fight against illegal border crossings.

For $10, users have access to a remote-controlled camera located near the border of Arizona and Mexico. The camera can be turned left and right to scour the desert.

Instructions are also given by the site administrators to users who think they have spotted someone trying to sneak into the United States.

Rep. Donna Rowland of Rutherford County had never heard of the Web site until Channel 4 showed her while doing this story.

“There is a responsibility that each and every individual has to identify illegal activity. Be it this large scale or anything else, that’s being a good Samaritan, good citizen,” said Rowland.

The backers of the Web site said their effort is working. With the help of other cameras that can’t be accessed online, they said their group is responsible for 56 sightings and 48 arrests.

“In the final analysis, the Constitution is clear. It is the responsibility of the federal government to control our borders. I’m not an expert on the border situation. There must be some type of an issue or we wouldn’t be discussing this today,” said Rep. John Mark Windle of Fentress County.

More than 80 people have joined the online border watch since its debut in November, an effort that its founders hope will spread to living rooms across the entire country.

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One Cochise County group is taking it upon themselves to keep an eye on illegal activities.

The group calls themselves the “Techno Patriots”. They have a video camera on the border and anyone can watch live through this website.

It’s only been up for a week, but already it’s catching on.

You could call it a neighborhood watch on the border.

Jon Healy is the man behind Techno Patriots. “We have a 1,600 square mile region, so we can connect these cameras that we hook up to high speed internet connection.”

By utilizing a live camera in high illegal traffic areas, Healy ways the world can get a realistic look at what’s going on.

“It helps out with the Border Patrol. It gives them extra eyes. We don’t harass or try to apprehend. We stay out of the way. We just spot and report.”

To become a member, you have to pay $10 and you can sign up to be an “Armchair Warrior.”

Cindy Kolb is also a Techno Patriot.

“They can request to run the camera. They’ll be put on a calendar for the hour, two hours. They’ll have as much time as they want to run the camera. One person at a time in the nation will be running the camera.”

The live camera is somewhere along the Arizona, Mexico border, but because of safety reasons, Techno Patriots will not disclose an exact location.

Kolb says, “We’re hoping to tie the nation together from the border clear across the country.”

Ultimately, Techno Patriots is hoping to grow.

“Our priority is to get as many cameras out there as soon as possible,” Healy tells us.

The cameras, wireless infrastructure, and getting the website up and running cost the group more than $100,000. The $10 membership fee will help pay for those costs and buy more equipment.

Techno Patriots report their findings to the Border Patrol, so in an effort to be balanced, we contacted them.

A representative told News 4, “The Border Patrol appreciates any assistance we can get from civilians.”

KGUN 9 News AZ - Vitual Patriots - 11282007 Video

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