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• Serial No. 108-70: Impact of the Drug Trade on Border Security: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, April 15, 2003

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  On April 15, 2003, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform holds a hearing regarding the Drug Trade on Border Security. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Paul Beeson of the U.S. Border Patrol; Frank Dekert of the National Park Service; Sandalio Gonzalez Drug Enforcement Administration; David Longoria of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; Bob Cook of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce; Ruben Garcia of the Ysleta Independent School District; Jose Luis Soria of the Aliviane Drug Treatment Center; Carlos Leon of the El Paso Police Department; and Leo Samaneigo of the El Paso Police Department. Chairman Mark Sonder explains that, "Since the summer of 2001, this subcommittee has been making a comprehensive study of our Nation's borders. The subcommittee has focused particular attention on the effectiveness of the Federal law enforcement agencies entrusted with protecting and administering our Nation's borders and ports of entry." He adds that "Today's hearing is intended to focus on the problem of illegal drug smuggling along the southern border, and the related crime and damage caused by that smuggling. The southern border still sees far more illegal activity than the northern border and it presents severe challenges for effective law enforcement. The southern border runs through deserts, mountains and rivers, through unpopulated areas as well as cities and suburbs, through National Parks, wildlife refuges, Native American reservations, and even military bases. Questions of overlapping law enforcement agency jurisdiction can come into play, and we intend to address those issues today."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2003-04-15
• Effects of Border Insecurity and Lax Immigration Enforcement on American Communities, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, March 1, 2017

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  This testimony compilation made by the HSDL staff is from the March 1, 2017 hearing, "The Effects of Border Insecurity and Lax Immigration Enforcement on American Communities," before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. The purpose of this hearing was to discuss the effects of border insecurity and lax immigration enforcement on American communities. From the opening statement of Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, "[this hearing] will examine how our porous southwest border affects American communities thousands of miles away […] America's borders are not secure. To truly secure our borders, the United States must identify and eliminate the incentives for illegal immigration. Our failure to do so can have tragic consequences. […] Border security and immigration laws are not just a concern for communities along the border. They affect all Americans." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Julie Nordman, Eric Severson, and Ryan Rectenwald.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  2017-03-01
• Secure Border Initiative (SBI) Presentation

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  This document is a presentation outlining the Secure Border Initiative (SBI). It includes a number of charts detailing the number of apprehensions at border crossings and removal totals. "The SBI is a comprehensive multi-year plan to secure Americas borders and reduce illegal migration. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has announced an overall vision for the SBI which includes: More agents to patrol our borders, secure our ports of entry and enforce immigration laws; Expanded detention and removal capabilities to eliminate 'catch and release' once and for all; A comprehensive and systemic upgrading of the technology used in controlling the border, including increased manned aerial assets, expanded use of UAVs, and next-generation detection technology; Increased investment in infrastructure improvements at the border - providing additional physical security to sharply reduce illegal border crossings; and Greatly increased interior enforcement of our immigration laws - including more robust worksite enforcement."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2005
• Serial No. 109-60: How Can Technologies Help Secure Our Borders? Hearing before the Committee on Science, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, September 13, 2006

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  From the opening statement of committee chairman Sherwood L. Boehlert, "One of the Directorate's most important areas of responsibility is the subject of today's hearing: border security. There are many aspects of border security, a hot topic right now, but one essential aspect is certainly how to successfully deploy technology to help prevent or thwart illegal border crossings. My sense is that we haven't done a very good job of that so far. We haven't methodically thought through what technology to develop, how to deploy it, and how to integrate it with the people who will actually be apprehending those trying to cross the border illegally. We haven't come up with a clear, adequately funded plan to conduct the research needed to improve existing technologies and create new ones. And in Congress, we haven't thought comprehensively about border security, instead focusing on massive public works projects, like border fences. Hopefully, the Secure Border Initiative the Department of Homeland Security is in the process of implementing will start us down a more thoughtful and successful path." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Sherwood L. Boehlert, Bart Gordon, Jerry F. Costello, Darlene Hooley, Lincoln Davis, Jay M. Cohen, Gordon Daniel Tyler, Jr., Peter R. Worch, Gervasio Prado and Gregory J. Pottie.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2006
• Evaluation of the United States Military Support of Department of Homeland Security Southern Border Security Operations Under Title 10 Authority [Redacted]

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  From the Objective: "The objectives of this evaluation focused on the use of DoD title 10 personnel supporting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) southern border security operations. Specifically, we determined whether the: [1] use of DoD title 10 personnel to support DHS southern border security operations was authorized by Federal laws and consistent with DoD policies; [2] DoD's support of DHS southern border security operations complied with applicable Federal laws and was consistent with DoD policies; [3] DoD title 10 personnel supporting the DHS were provided adequate training consistent with Federal laws and DoD policies on the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (SRUF) and on potential reaction to contact with civilians or migrants; and [4] use of DoD funds for DoD title 10 support to DHS southern border security operations complied with applicable Federal laws and DoD policies."

  United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General

  2020-08-14
• Fencing the Border: Construction Options and Strategic Placement, Joint Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity of the Committee on Homeland Security, with the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, July 20, 2006

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  From the opening statement of Mark E. Souder: "Good afternoon and thank you all for coming today for our hearing on Fencing the Border: Construction Options and Strategic Placement. I would like to thank chairman Dan Lungren of the Subcommittee of Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity for sponsoring this very important joint hearing. This represents our first formal inquiry into this pressing subject. It is vital that we approach it as seriously and thoughtfully as we can. Though the question of whether we should have more border fencing has occasionally generated more heat than light, the fact is that this proposition is more or less settled in Congress. The immigration bills passed by both Houses call for a substantial expansion of fencing, at least 380 miles in the Senate bill and at least 700 miles in the House bill. So in our hearing today we seek to move beyond the question of whether to expand the fence and on to question of what kind of fencing, where should it go, what kind of challenges we should anticipate, and so forth. While many are understandably impatient to secure our very porous southwest border, the fact is that we don't get many chances to do it right, and we had better be prepared in this as thoroughly as possible. To do that, many questions have to be asked and many obstacles have to be foreseen and overcome. Through this hearing, we seek to make a significant step forward in that process." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark E. Souder, Daniel E. Lungren, Loretta Sanchez, Elijah E. Cummings, Norman D. Dicks, Duncan Hunter, Silvestre Reyes, Steven Pearce, Kevin Stevens, Douglas Barnhart, T.J. Bonner, Steve King, Carlton Mann, Art Mayne, Don Williams, and Ginny Brown-Waite.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2009
• Border and Transportation Security: Overview of Congressional Issues [Updated April 7, 2005]

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  "Enhancing border and transportation security (BTS) are essential strategies for improving and maintaining homeland security. Border security entails regulating the flow of traffic across the nations borders so that dangerous and unwanted goods and people are detected and denied entry. This requires a sophisticated border management system that balances the need for securing the nations borders with facilitating the essential free flow of legitimate commerce, citizens, and authorized visitors. Transportation security involves securing the flow of people and goods along the nations highways, railways, airways, and waterways. (For more information on the complexity of the BTS challenge, see CRS Report RL32839, Border and Transportation Security: the Complexity of the Challenge, by Jennifer E. Lake.) While in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 efforts primarily concentrated on an expanded federal role in aviation security (in particular on the heightened screening of passengers and baggage), increasingly attention is being turned towards other modes of transportation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lake, Jennifer E.

  2005-04-07
• Migration and Border Security: The Military's Role

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  "In the United States, law enforcement and diplomatic instruments lead the migration and border security effort. The DHS's U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the principal federal law enforcement agency charged with enforcing agriculture, trade, drug and immigration regulations. They operate in all three border environments -- land, sea, and air -- within North America and internationally with cooperating governments. This effort is complemented by the U.S. Department of State's (DoS) 'Border Security Program.' Through proactive efforts in its embassies and consulates, DoS has improved information sharing, connectivity, and training to identify and prevent foreigners bent on doing harm from acquiring travel documents allowing them legal entry to the United States.5 The military's mission to defend U.S. borders from aggressors is principally accomplished through terrorist deterrence, detection, and interdiction before they reach the United States. However, events since 9/11 have led to the deployment of military forces to temporarily supplement and complement the CBP. Such was the case immediately following 9/11, when 1600 National Guard troops were federalized for duty on our northern and southern borders. Again, in 2004 following the intelligence community's assessment of a heightened threat along the northern border between Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, active duty and reserve component forces were deployed along those borders in the execution of Operation Winter Freeze. That augmentation took place between the federal election day and the presidential inauguration."

  Army War College (U.S.). Center for Strategic Leadership

  Griffard, Bernard F.; Tussing, Bert B.
• Border Security: Key Unresolved Issues Justify Reevaluation of Border Surveillance Technology Program, Report to Congressional Committees

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  "In September 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established Americas Shield Initiative (ASI)- a program that included a system of sensors, cameras, and databases formerly known as the Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS)- to detect, characterize, and deter illegal breaches to the northern and southern U.S. borders. The goals of the ASI program were to address ISIS capability limitations and support the departments antiterrorism mission. In April 2005, department officials told GAO [Government Accountability Office] that ISIS was subsumed within ASI. By congressional mandate, GAO reviewed the program to determine (1) the operational needs that ASI was intended to address and DHSs plans for ASI, (2) the steps that DHS had taken to ensure that ASI was aligned with the departments enterprise architecture, and (3) the actions that DHS had taken to establish the capability to effectively manage ASI."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2006-02-22
• Executive Proclamation Designating The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National Monument: Implications for Border Security, Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, July 10, 2014

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  This hearing testimony is from the July 10, 2014 hearing on "Executive Proclamation Designating The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National Monument: Implications for Border Security" held before the House Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Jeff Duncan: "On May 21, 2014, President Obama designated the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks area in southern New Mexico as a National Monument. The President's action ignored legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress, which had buy-in and support from a broad coalition of state and local stakeholders and constituencies. […] Instead of allowing the legislative process to proceed, the President ignored the concerns of state and local law enforcement, ranchers, sportsmen, and others and chose to designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks area a monument with the stroke of a pen. Due to the President's designation, the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as, state and local law enforcement officers will be prevented from having full access to nearly 500,000 acres of land near the Mexican border. The Border Patrol must now comply with the requirements of several federal land management laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Wilderness Act, and Endangered Species Act--some of which will limit access to the monument except for on-foot or horseback. […] As a result, this newly designated national monument is practically an invitation to drug-runners and human smugglers, as if they even needed one. And I have not even mentioned the possibility that those who would seek to harm us including vicious drug cartels, transnational gangs, and terrorist groups like Hezbollah or others could try to breach our sovereignty in order to carry out possibly heinous acts. It's critical for Border Patrol and state and local law enforcement to work together to determine how they will reduce the likelihood that this area becomes a sanctuary for these groups." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Stevan Pearce, Brandon Judd, Todd Garrison, and Marc R. Rosenblum.

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security

  2014-07-10
• On the Border and in the Line of Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Drug Cartel Violence, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, May 11, 2011

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  From the opening statement of Michael T. McCaul: "Today, we examine the U.S. side of the border. It is necessary to provide a realistic security assessment as determined by local and State law enforcement, and accurately measure the level of crime in our border communities related to cartel activities. In March, our Secretary of Homeland Security said that the border is better now than it has ever been. Many officials who are directly in the line of fire, such as Captain Bob Bullock of the Texas Rangers, disagree with the Secretary. We heard last week from Sheriff Dever in Arizona, stating he disagreed. Of course there is violence along the border. There is a spillover of crime and intimidation. Since January 2010, the Texas Department of Public Safety has identified at least 22 murders, 24 assaults, 15 shootings, five kidnappings directly related to this spillover. This past Sunday, there was a gun battle between Mexican marines and drug smugglers on Falcon Lake, which straddles the border, killing 13 people." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael T. McCaul, William R. Keating, Bennie G. Thompson, Grayling G. Williams, Amy E. Pope, Steven C. McCraw, Thomas C. Horne, Sigifredo Gonzalez, Jr., and Victor Rodriguez.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• S. Hrg. 110-20; Serial No. J-110-6: U.S.-Visit: Challenges and Strategies for Securing the U.S. Border: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, January 31, 2007

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  From the opening statement of Dianne Feinstein: "The Subcommittee today will be dealing with a program that is not without its controversy, namely, the US-VISIT Program. I have long been very concerned about the interplay between immigration and national security. I believe that we will not be able to protect our Nation effectively until we can protect our borders. I do believe we need to know who is coming in and out of our country. The congressional mandate to create a system for tracking who enters and leaves this country was first codified in 1996 with a deadline of establishing a workable program by September 30, 1998. To the best of my knowledge, that is 8 years ago. Since that time, Congress has extended the deadline over and over. Time and time again, we have sacrificed our border security because of inaction or slow action by the Federal Government. According to the 9/11 National Commission Staff Report on Terrorist Travel, prior to 9/11, no agency of the U.S. Government thought of border security as a tool in the counterterrorism arsenal. 9/11 and its subsequent actions have made this goal a priority and have exposed our country's vulnerability. Yet over 5 years later, the Federal Government has failed to devote sufficient time, technology, personnel, and resources to making border security a cornerstone of our national security policy." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Cornyn, Dianne Feinstein, Edward M. Kennedy, Richard C. Barth, Phillip J. Bond. Robert A. Mocny, Richard M. Stana, C. Stewart Verdery, Greg Clawson, and Rey Koslowski.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2007
• Observations on Efforts to Implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on the U.S. Border with Canada, Report to the Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives

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  "Securing the U.S. border has received increasing attention since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. For years, U.S. and Canadian citizens have crossed the northern border using documents such as driver's licenses or birth certificates or in some cases without showing any documentation. Border crossings are commonplace; in 2005, for example, an estimated 13 million U.S. citizens crossed the northern border. In the heightened national security environment after September 11, we have previously reported that documents like driver's licenses and birth certificates can easily be obtained, altered, or counterfeited and used by terrorists to travel into and out of the country. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a plan that requires a passport or other document or combination of documents that the Secretary of Homeland Security deems sufficient to show identity and citizenship for U.S. citizens and citizens of Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico when entering the United States from certain countries in North, Central, or South America. The act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (State) to implement this requirement by January 2008, and the effort to do so is called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (Travel Initiative)."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2006-05-25
• Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on the Border Security Amendment Proposed in the Senate [June 21, 2013]

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  On June 21, 2013, the Department of Homeland Security issued the following press release: "'The President has made clear that commonsense immigration reform legislation must include measures to strengthen border security, create a path to earned citizenship, crack down on employers that hire undocumented workers, and streamline our legal immigration system so everyone is playing by the same set of rules. The border security amendment agreed to by a bipartisan group of Senators is in line with that criteria, it will devote important additional resources to the robust border security system this Administration has put in place and strengthen what was already an unmatched piece of border security legislation.'"

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office

  2013-06-21
• Serial No. 114-155: Potential Terrorist Threats: Border Security Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, March 22, 2016

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  This is the March 22, 2016 hearing on "Potential Terrorist Threats: Border Security Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean" held before the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. From the testimony of Juan Gonzalez: "Now effective border management in Latin America and the Caribbean is vital to our economic prosperity and national security. Throughout the hemisphere, we are working with governments to eliminate trade barriers, integrate electricity grids and energy markets, connect national infrastructures, and cement commercial relationships. As evidence, I offer that our trillion dollar trade relationship and over 3 million American jobs, supported by our economic relationship with Canada and Mexico, demonstrate what is possible when governments collaborate actively. At the same time that we are using our border cooperation to promote prosperity, we are equally determined to use them to safeguard the homeland and to ensure safe, legal, and orderly migration to the United States. Border security was a focus of the recent Canada state visit. We always share travel information with Canada, including our respective no-fly lists. And the President and Prime Minister Trudeau used their meeting to discuss what more we can do to secure our borders while actively promoting commerce. We are also working with Mexico on border enforcement at both its northern and southern border to regulate migration, combat smuggling, and target narco-traffickers and our counterterrorism cooperation with Mexico is excellent." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Juan Gonzalez, Alan D. Bersin, and Lev Kubiak.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Serial No. 114-12: Interior Immigration Enforcement Legislation, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, February 11, 2014

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  This is the February 11, 2014 hearing on "Interior Immigration Enforcement Legislation," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security of the Committee on the Judiciary. From the opening statement: "The consensus in our country is that the current immigration system is broken, unworkable and not functioning for the best interests of our fellow citizens, and part of that is the widely held belief among our fellow citizens that our borders are insufficiently secured and frankly border security is much broader than simply a negotiating item in an ongoing immigration debate. Border security is part of what defines a sovereign nation; the ability to control who comes and goes and provide assurances that national security is indeed the preeminent function of the Federal Government. But even the most secured of borders will not alleviate the need for further reforms and off repeated statistics bears mentioning again, which is that around 40 percent of those who are not in the country lawfully originally entered through lawful means. Simply put, around 40 percent of the undocumented population were invited here and overstayed their invitation. And, no fence can be designed or built to deal with the issue of internal security. We must also ensure the laws governing immigrants within our borders are being implemented." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Sam S. Page, Frank L. Morris, Walter D. Cadman, and Gerald F. Kicanas.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2015
• DHS Announces Long-Term Border and Immigration Strategy [November 2, 2005]

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  In this press release, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announces a comprehensive multi-year plan to secure America's borders and reduce illegal migration, entitled the Secure Border Initiative (SBI). Since the events of 9/11, President Bush has placed ever-increasing importance on immigration control, including border security, and has devoted significant resources to the stark challenge of illegal migration. Every day, DHS agencies take significant steps to secure our borders and enforce immigration laws. DHS currently has more than 11,000 Border Patrol agents along nearly 7,000 miles of northern and southern border, an increase of 15 percent over 9/11 levels. An additional 18,000 officers are posted at our Ports of Entry (POE), and over 8,000 agents and officers are working to apprehend criminals, absconders, and other individuals illegally in the United States.

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office

  2005-11-02
• Using Automatic Identification System Technology to Improve Maritime Border Security

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  From the thesis abstract: "Our coastal waters are the United States' most open and vulnerable borders. This vast maritime domain harbors critical threats from terrorism, criminal activities, and natural disasters. Maritime borders pose significant security challenges, as nefarious entities have used small boats to conduct illegal activities for years, and they continue to do so today. Illegal drugs, money, weapons, and migrants flow both directions across our maritime borders, as vessels can quickly complete these transits without detection. To what extent could Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology improve border security against the small vessel threat? This thesis provides an overview of existing AIS systems and reviews the maritime border security effectiveness and cost benefit impacts of potential AIS equipment carriage requirements. We compared and analyzed policy options and reviewed implementation issues and concerns. Our conclusions are that the Department of Homeland Security should implement a regulation for all vessels, regardless of size, to install and broadcast Class A or Class B AIS when conducting international voyages. The proposed regulation would expand the existing Small Vessel Reporting System to a mandatory program wherein mariners are required to preregister and file float plans prior to conducting an international voyage. This proposed action provides direct support to three of the five basic homeland security missions: prevent terrorism and enhance security, secure and manage our borders, and enforce and administer our immigration laws."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Lindstrom, Tedric R.

  2014-12
• Border Security: Actions Needed by DHS to Address Long-Standing Challenges in Planning for a Biometric Exit System, Statement of Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate

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  "Each year, millions of visitors come to the United States legally on a temporary basis. Overstays are individuals who were admitted legally on a temporary basis but then overstayed their authorized periods of admission. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 required the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan to accelerate implementation of a biometric entry and exit data system that matches information provided by foreign nationals upon their arrival and departure. Since 2004, DHS has tracked foreign nationals' entries into the United States, and since December 2006, a biometric entry capability has been fully operational at all ports of entry. However, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has identified a range of challenges that DHS has faced in its efforts to deploy a corresponding biometric exit capability. DHS's CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] is primarily responsible for implementing a biometric exit program. This statement discusses the extent to which DHS has made progress in developing a biometric exit system and reporting overstay estimates. This statement is based on a report GAO issued in July 2013 (GAO-13-683), with selected updates conducted in January 2016 to obtain information from DHS on actions it has taken to address prior recommendations. GAO previously made recommendations to DHS to establish time frames and milestones for a biometric air exit evaluation framework and assess the reliability of its overstay data. DHS concurred with the recommendations, and has actions underway to address them."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2016-01-20
• Cargo Security at Land Ports of Entry: Are We Meeting the Challenge? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Terrorism of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, October 22, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Loretta Sanchez: "Today's hearing will examine cargo security at our land ports along entries on our northern and southern border. This subcommittee is focused on reviewing the growing challenge the Department of Homeland Security faces in identifying, interdicting and investigating cargo security threats. To put the challenge we face at land ports of entry into perspective, let's think about it this way. There are over 160 land border crossings between the northern and southern borders; 43 of these crossings are dedicated to commercial use only, and many of those are operated and staffed 24 hours a day. Over 11 million truckloads and 2 million railcars come through those ports annually, contributing to over $338 billion dollars and $109 billion worth of imports respectively." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Loretta Sanchez, Subcommittee Chairwoman (D-CA); Mark E. Souder, Representative (R-IN); Bennie G. Thompson, Committee Chairman (D-MS); Todd Owen, Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection; Janice Ayala, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Investigations, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Colleen M. Kelly, National President, National Treasury Employees Union; and Stephen Russell, Chairman and CEO, Celadon Group, Inc.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Serial No. 109-4: CBP and ICE: Does the Current Organizational Structure Best Serve U.S. Homeland Security Interests? Hearing before the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, March 9, 2005

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  From the opening statement of Mike Rogers: "The purpose of today's hearing will focus on one of the most important management challenges facing the Department and involves one of the most important functions, protecting our borders and enforcing our immigration and customs laws. The Border and Transportation Security Directorate, or BTS, of the Department of Homeland Security is divided into two now separate bureaus, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. In particular, we will explore whether the current Division of Border Security, within CBP, and Immigration and Customs investigations, within ICE, is the best way to structure these important functions or if the separation has caused more operational, administrative, and budgetary problems that negatively impact the Homeland Security missions of these agencies." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mike Rogers, Kendrick B. Meek, Christopher Cox, Bennie G. Thompson, Donna Christensen, Charles W. Dent, Katherine Harris, Michael McCaul, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Dave G. Reichert, Christopher Shays, T.J. Bonner, Randy Allen Callahan, James Carafanono, Michael Cutler, Kenneth C. Klug, David Venturella, and Sheila Jackson-Lee.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2005
• S. Rept. 115-179: Border Enforcement Security Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2017, Report of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, to Accompany S. 1199, October 30, 2017

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  From Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of S. 1199, the Border Enforcement Security Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2017, is to reauthorize the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) program, which is responsible for investigating, disrupting, and collecting intelligence on transnational criminal organizations (TCO) at the U.S. border. Although the BEST program is successful, its current structure is not adequate to address the changing border security landscape. Modernizing the BEST program provides frontline law enforcement agents with the proper tools to effectively adapt to new criminal activity trends and drug trafficking patterns. This bill also updates the BEST program by requiring each maritime unit to include a U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) employee. It extends the reporting requirements by five years and requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department) Secretary to report on the effectiveness of the BEST program's efforts to combat TCOs, its cooperation with stakeholders, and its integration with Joint Task Force Operations on an annual basis. Finally, the bill modernizes the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) overseas pay system. Specifically, S. 1199 authorizes the Director of ICE to provide danger pay for law enforcement officers serving in dangerous locations outside the United States. By providing this authority, Congress is ensuring that ICE agents have pay parity with their Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) law enforcement counterparts serving in similar environments."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2017-10-30
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Testing and Performance Limitations That Place Key Technology Program at Risk, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Secure Border Initiative Network (SBInet) is a multiyear, multibillion dollar program to deliver surveillance and decision-support technologies that create a virtual fence and situational awareness along the nation's borders with Mexico and Canada. Managed by DHS's Customs and Border Protection (CBP), SBInet is to strengthen CBP's ability to identify, deter, and respond to illegal breaches at and between border points of entry. Because of the program's importance, cost, and risks, GAO was asked to, among other things, determine (1) whether SBInet testing has been effectively managed, including the types of tests performed and whether they were well planned and executed, and (2) what the results of testing show. To do this, GAO reviewed test management documentation, including test plans, test cases, test procedures, and results relative to federal and related guidance, and interviewed program and contractor officials. GAO is making four recommendations to DHS related to the content, review, and approval of test planning documentation and the analysis, disclosure, and resolution of system problems. DHS agreed with three and partially agreed with one of the recommendations, and it described actions under way and planned to address them."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2010-01-29
• Border Corruption: Assessing Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's Office Collaboration in the Fight to Prevent Corruption

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  The following document is testimony on assessing customs and border protection and the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's Office cCollaboration in the fight to prevent corruption before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, ad hoc subcommittee on disaster recovery and intergovernmental affairs.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS)

  2011-06-09
• Border Security: Fences Along the U.S. International Border [Updated May 9, 2005]

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  "This report outlines the issues involved with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) completion of a three-tiered, 14-mile fence, along the border near San Diego, California. The state of California has delayed completion of the fence due primarily to legal and policy conflicts with its federally-approved, state-run Coastal Management Program. Current authorization for the fence only allows the waiver of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. During the 108th Congress proposals were introduced that would have allowed the department to waive a number of other environmental, conservation, and cultural laws and requirements to varying degrees. In the 109th Congress, H.R. 1268 would allow the Secretary of DHS to waive all legal requirements deemed necessary. This report will be updated as warranted."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Viña, Stephen R.; Nunez-Neto, Blas

  2005-05-09
• Melting the Organizational Boundaries in Border Security: An Initiative for the 1990s

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  "The World Trade Center is bombed. Between two and four million illegal aliens are currently in the U.S. A ship laden with Chinese indentured servants runs aground in New York City. What is the common link? Do we have a border security system or not? Can we improve border security in a way that is consistent with the longstanding humanitarian traditions of this nation? This paper examines the history of border security and the contemporary situation. It reviews various 'fixes' to that system which have been proposed during the past fifteen years. Drawing upon the lessons learned from the case of Sheikh Omar Abdurrahrnan (the 'Blind Sheikh' of World Trade Center fame), the paper develops a proposal for 'reinventing' U.S. border security by establishing a Border Security Agency (BSA). This agency, which would report to the Attorney General, would absorb all immigration and customs responsibilities currently held by the Department of State, the Customs Service of the Treasury and the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice. The paper argues that establishing a BSA would help ensure a seamless and effective border security system which would operate from the embassy or consulate in which a visa is issued through port-of-entry processing in the United States."

  Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)

  Moss, Frank E.

  1994
• H. Rept. 115-963, Part 1: Secure Border Communications Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 6742, September 25, 2018

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of H.R. 6742, the Secure Border Communications Act, is to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require that the Secretary of Homeland Security ensure appropriate officers and agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are equipped with secure radios or other two-way communication devices, supported by system interoperability. The bill requires that CBP communication devices allow officers and agents to communicate between ports of entry and inspection stations, and with other Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement entities operating in the same area of responsibility. In addition, the bill requires that Border Patrol Agents operating in remote mission critical locations and at border checkpoints be outfitted with multi- or dual-band encrypted portable radios. The radios and communication devices acquired by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall have the option to connect to appropriate commercial mobile broadband networks when feasible. The Secretary may evaluate new or emerging communication technology to determine whether they are suitable for border security operational needs as well."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018-09-25
• America's Heroin Epidemic at the Border: Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Illicit Narcotic Trafficking, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, November 23, 2015

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  This is a testimony compilation of the November 23, 2015 hearing "America's Heroin Epidemic at the Border: Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Illicit Narcotic Trafficking," held before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. From the opening statement of Chairman Ron Johnson: "This Congress, the committee has spent a great deal of time uncovering and defining the problems occurring at our borders. Today will mark the 13th hearing focused on border security and our second hearing highlighting the rising heroin epidemic across this country. These topics are closely related, as one root cause of our unsecure border is America's insatiable demand for drugs. The accumulated testimony and information that forms the committee's record indicates that America's borders are not secure. One key indicator is the fact that we are interdicting only 5 to 10 percent of illegal drugs crossing our southwest border. The declining price of heroin--from a nationwide average of $3,260 per gram of pure heroin in 1981 to $465 in 2012--is a metric that proves the point. Today, the committee will explore how our unsecure Arizona-Mexico border has become a gateway for drug traffickers to distribute illicit drugs across the country. I want to thank Senator McCain, a trusted and valuable member of the committee, for proposing and organizing this very important hearing, and Senator Flake, for also joining us to discuss this topic. Arizona is facing a heroin epidemic, with 180 deaths attributed to heroin in 2014, up from 125 in 2013 and 90 in 2012. Overall, heroin treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities in Arizona increased approximately 77 percent, from 1,625 in 2008 to 2,880 in 2012." Statements, letters, and other materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Douglas A. Ducey, R. Gil Kerlikowske, Bill Montgomery, Mark J. Dannels, Dawn Mertz, Brandon Judd, and Jeff Taylor.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  2015-11-23
• Budget Hearing - Customs and Border Protection: Hearing Before the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, April 17, 2013

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  This testimony compilation is from the April 17, 2013 hearing, "Budget Hearing - Customs and Border Protection," before the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of John Carter: "The senseless and cowardly attack in Boston is a stark reminder that we must be ever vigilant in our efforts to secure the homeland - a reminder that I know is with your folks every day as they carry out their critical mission of border security. The last two years have been marked by disingenuous budget requests and painstaking analysis by this Subcommittee - it was clear that CBP's [Customs and Border Protection] budget did not cover its personnel. It appears, upon our initial analysis, as though the FY14 request actually supports CBP's baseline staffing levels - that includes 21,370 Border Patrol agents, 21,775 CBP officers, 1,138 Air and Marine Interdiction Agents, and 2,383 Agricultural Specialists. However, the FY14 request also proposes to add 1,600 CBP officers through a down payment of $210 million in appropriated funds and 1,877 CBP officers through an unauthorized fee proposal. CBP's budget is now 72% salaries and benefits for its more than 60,000 personnel. Is now the right time to increase staffing when it is not clear that we are giving these officers and agents the right tools to do their important mission?" Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Carter, Michael Fisher, Randolph Alles, andKevin McAleenan.

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations

  2013-04-17
• Serial No. 114-48; Serial No. 114-79: An Examination of the Maritime Nuclear Smuggling Threat and Other Port Security and Smuggling Risks in the United States, Joint Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, July 7, 2016

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  This is the July 7, 2016 hearing "An Examination of the Maritime Nuclear Smuggling Threat and Other Port Security and Smuggling Risks in the United States" held before the subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives. From the opening statement of Chairman Duncan Hunter: "The subcommittee is meeting today to examine the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the smuggling of nuclear materials in U.S. ports and other port security risks. This hearing follows last year's hearing which examined the prevention and response to a dirty bomb at a U.S. port. And we had a classified hearing yesterday. We are going to make sure and skirt around those topics which we talked about yesterday and we are not going to talk about today in an open hearing. It seems clear that Islamic extremists aspire to carry out a radiological or nuclear attack, so this is a threat that we obviously need to take seriously. If anybody succeeds even once, the consequences would be catastrophic. To be prepared, we must ensure that we have the proper screening and response protocols in place. Today we will continue to review these efforts as well as the broader governmental efforts to reduce threats to our ports and our borders. I want to thank Chairwoman Martha McSally, who will be here momentarily, and the House Committee on Homeland Security for agreeing to explore this important topic in a joint hearing." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Admiral Linda L. Fagan, L. Wayne Brasure, Todd C. Owen, Anne Harrington, Jennifer A. Grover, Gregory H. Canavan, David A. Espie, and James H.I. Weakley.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016