The State of Texas has come up with a plan to show live webcam feeds of its border with Mexico so that vigilant internet users can keep a look out for illegal immigrants. 

Cameras are to be installed on common routes used to cross illegally into the US, and anyone seeing something suspicious can call a toll-free number.

Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry announced the plans to a group of police officials, insisting that the service would help provide the stronger border controls Americans had been asking for.

"We will make the video feed available to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies so they can respond swiftly and appropriately," he said.

"And we will post this video on the internet, in real time, so that concerned Americans can help protect our nation through online neighbourhood watch programmes."

The cost of deploying the surveillance cameras is $5m.