RIO GRANDE CITY - U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar discussed the use of aerostats technology on the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday.

The Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment has aerostats located throughout the Laredo and Rio Grande Valley sectors. U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses aerostats to secure the border from people who cross illegally into the U.S. and drug smugglers.

Five of a total of six aerostats along the border are in the Rio Grande Valley Sector.

The devices range in size and altitude of operation. The one in Rio Grande City can go up around 1,000 feet and can see up to a distance of approximately 20 miles.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer John Milne said these devices are treated like any other aircraft that have an altitude limit. If clouds are 500 feet from ground level, then the aerostat can't fly.

Newer versions of the aerostats can see up to approximately 40 miles.