The U.S. Army is leaning on artificial intelligence in its ongoing battle against illegal immigration along the southern border. In a move underscoring just how central AI has become to national security, the Pentagon has tapped Striveworks to supply technology that can spot threats, track smugglers, and help protect soldiers deployed under Joint Task Force–Southern Border. With border operations under constant strain, the Army sees AI as a way to process mountains of data, highlight risks instantly, and guide commanders before situations spiral out of control.
At the core of this mission is Striveworks’ AIOps platform, Chariot, which takes in everything from imagery to signals and acoustic feeds, then applies the most effective AI models to extract meaningful insights. Commanders can get near-real-time updates on drug trafficking movements, drone activity, or suspicious crossings, allowing them to act quickly rather than wait for slow analysis. That kind of speed is critical not only for force protection but also for stopping narcotics and unmanned aerial systems before they cross deeper into the U.S.
James Rebesco, cofounder and CEO of Striveworks, said his company is proud to support the Army as it works to “operationalize AI” for real-world missions. He emphasized that this contract reflects a broader shift in how defense technology is being built—one where military units can deploy commercial-grade AI models and adapt them on the fly as adversaries change tactics. Unlike static software, Striveworks’ system monitors, retrains, and improves performance in the field, ensuring it doesn’t fall behind evolving threats.
The Army has been using Striveworks’ tools since 2019, particularly to track and counter narcotics entering through border crossings. This latest contract expands the partnership into a larger theater: soldier protection, counter-drone missions, and coordination across Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond. With over 1,900 miles of border to secure, the military hopes AI will give it an edge in responding faster and working more effectively alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as state and local law enforcement.
For Striveworks, the deal is more than just another contract. The company views it as proof that adaptable AI can make a tangible difference on the ground, turning raw streams of data into actionable knowledge that shapes outcomes. For the Army, it represents a growing reliance on artificial intelligence as a tool in the fight against illegal immigration… a fight that demands both vigilance and speed.
