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Serial No. 108-20: Best Business Practices for Securing America's Borders, Hearing of the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security before the Select Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, July 23, 2003
The purpose of this hearing is to examine best business practices for securing America's borders. Subcommittee Chairman Dave Camp made the following remarks in his opening statement, "Today's hearing will examine the progress being made by the Department of Homeland Security in securing our land and maritime borders, with special focus on efforts to utilize the technology and skill from the private sector. The witnesses will evaluate programs and policies such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, CTPAT; the Container Security Initiative, CSI; and Fast and Secure Trade, FAST, as well as provide an overview of available technology." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Dave Camp, Kay Granger, Christopher Cox, Benjamin J. Cardin, Jennifer Dunn, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Edward J. Markey, Loretta Sanchez, W. Scott Gould, Katz, Houssam Salloum, and Richard Stephens.
United States. Government Printing Office
2005
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Examining the Department of Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, June 20, 2019
This is the June 20, 2019 hearing on "Examining the Department of Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Kathleen M. Rice: "The subcommittee is meeting today to receive testimony on examining the Department of Defense's deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border. [...] The DoD's presence on the border is not new. Their support of DHS operations has indeed evolved over the past year. Right now it would appear that this administration is testing the limits of that relationship." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Carla Provost, Robert G. Salesses, and Michael T. McGuire.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019
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Department of Homeland Security Border Security Metrics Report (February 26, 2019)
From the Introduction: "As President Donald Trump indicated in Executive Order 13767 'Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements' (January 25, 2017), border security is critically important to the national security of the United States. The Department's ability to measure its border-security inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes is essential to the effective and efficient management of the Department, including management of the new activities and investments directed by the President's Executive Orders on border security and immigration enforcement. Comprehensive and rigorous performance management data provide DHS leadership with the foundation to support responsible evidence-based decision-making for resource allocation and investments and for operational and mission management. Further, DHS implementation of this approach provides a pair of unifying border security goals under the Department's mission to secure and manage U.S. borders. As summarized in the 2014 DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), the Department's first two goals under the border security mission area are to 'Secure U.S. Air, Land, and Sea Borders and Approaches' by preventing illegal entry and to 'Safeguard and Expedite Lawful Travel and Trade' by safeguarding key nodes, conveyances, and pathways, and by managing the risk of people and goods in transit. Ultimately, the border security metrics described in this report are designed to assess the ability of the Department's border security policies and investments to achieve these outcomes."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2019-02-26
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Border Security: U.S.-Canada Immigration Border Issues [Updated December 28, 2004]
"The United States and Canada are striving to balance adequate border security with other issues such as the facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. Congress has taken action to improve border facility infrastructure, increase the number of border patrol agents and immigration inspectors at the northern border, and provide these officials with additional technologically upgraded equipment. Congress has also taken action to track the entry and exit of foreign visitors by mandating an automated entry/exit system, however, its anticipated implementation at the northern border may not have an adverse impact on travel as most Canadian nationals will be exempt from the requirements of the system. Moreover, there have been several bi-national initiatives aimed at making the border more secure while facilitating travel. These initiatives are outlined in a 30-point plan, which was signed by officials from both countries in December 2001."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seghetti, Lisa M.
2004-12-28
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Border Security: Barriers Along the U.S. International Border [Updated September 21, 2006]
"Congress has been considering expanding the barriers currently deployed along the U.S. international land border. Currently, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) deploys fencing, which aims to impede the illegal entry of individuals, and vehicle barriers, which aim to impede the illegal entry of vehicles (but not individuals) along the border. The USBP first began erecting barriers in 1990 to deter illegal entries and drug smuggling in its San Diego sector. The ensuing 14 mile-long San Diego 'primary fence' formed part of the USBP's 'Prevention Through Deterrence' strategy, which called for reducing unauthorized migration by placing agents and resources directly on the border along population centers in order to deter would-be migrants from entering the country. In 1996, Congress passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act which gave the Attorney General (now Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security) broad authority to construct barriers along the border. In 2005,Congress passed the REAL ID Act which authorized the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to waive all legal requirements in order to expedite the construction of border barriers. A number of policy issues concerning border barriers generally and fencing specifically may be of interest to Congress, including, but not limited to: their effectiveness; their costs versus their benefits; their location; their design; and their potential diplomatic ramifications. Prominent bills include House-passed H.R. 4437 and H.R. 6061, and Senate-passed S. 2611, and H.R. 5631. This report will be updated periodically as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas; Viña, Stephen R.
2006-09-21
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Testimony of Rear Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security, and Stewardship, Before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, 'Protecting the Maritime Borders--Leveraging Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security along America's Coasts' [July 12, 2011]
On July 12, 2011 at the Cannon House Office Building, Rear Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security, and Stewardship went before the House Committee on Homeland Security to discuss the "Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security along America's Coasts". Topics discussed included: The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) regarding the International and High Seas, The Northern Border involving a strong reliance with Canada, Bilateral Agreements and Partnerships and Maritime Intelligence and Targeting.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2011-07-12
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Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Collection of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerostats Data, Report to Congressional Requesters
"As the lead federal agency charged with securing U.S. borders, the Department of Homeland Security's(DHS) CBP [Customs and Border Protection] has employed a variety of technologies and assets to assist with its border security efforts. In support of its mission, CBP operates a fleet of remotely piloted Predator B UAS [unmanned aerial systems] and uses aerostats, including tactical aerostats and TARS [Tethered Aerostat Radar System]. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review CBP's use of UAS and aerostats for border security. This report addresses the following questions: (1) How does CBP use UAS and aerostats for border security activities, and to what extent has CBP developed and documented procedures for UAS coordination? and (2) To what extent has CBP taken actions to assess the effectiveness of its UAS and aerostats for border security activities? GAO reviewed CBP documents; analyzed Predator B UAS, tactical aerostat, and TARS data on use and effectiveness from fiscal years 2013 through 2016; interviewed field and headquarters officials; and conducted site visits to observe CBP's use of UAS and aerostats along U.S. borders. GAO is making five recommendations,
including that CBP document coordination procedures for Predator B operations in all operating locations, update guidance and implement training for collection of Predator B mission data, and update Border Patrol's data collection practices for aerostat asset assists. CBP concurred and identified planned actions to address the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated January 25, 2006]
"The United States Border Patrol (USBP) has a long and storied history as our nations first line of defense against unauthorized migration. Today, the USBP's primary mission is to detect and prevent the entry of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and illegal aliens into the country, and to interdict drug smugglers and other criminals along the border. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 dissolved the Immigration and Naturalization Service and placed the USBP within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS, the USBP forms a part of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection under the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security...Some issues for Congress to consider could include the slow rate of integration between the USBP's biometric database of illegal aliens and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) biometric database of criminals and terrorists; the number of unauthorized aliens who die attempting to enter the country each year; the organized human smuggling rings that have proliferated as entering the country has become more difficult; and the threat posed by terrorists along the sparsely defended Northern border as well as the more porous Southwest border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2006-01-25
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Cybersecurity Strategy: Enabling the Mission Through Secure Technology
"CBP's [Customs and Border Protection] cybersecurity challenge requires the right mix of technology, workforce resources, and procedures to improve its cyber defenses without impacting the operational speed and agility CBP requires to defend the Nation's borders. This strategy provides a framework for CBP to tackle this challenge head on by defining a vision for cybersecurity that provides objectives and initiatives that protects CBP's networks from outside attacks. The strategy also recognizes that each CBP mission area may require unique cybersecurity capabilities, but achieving a strong security baseline requires coordination and recognition that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility of all CBP employees. To that end, CBP has identified three strategic cybersecurity goals: [1.] Protect the CBP mission and people by integrating cybersecurity into the organization: CBP has a responsibility to ensure that cybersecurity measures are integrated throughout all of its mission areas through effective governance policies and procedures. [2.] Build a strong cybersecurity foundation and work toward sustainable mission integrity: CBP must achieve a proactive and vigilant cybersecurity posture, ready to quickly respond and recover from a cyber incident so that cyber attacks do not compromise CBP's ability to perform its mission. [3.] Develop and support a skilled workforce: Recruiting, developing, and retaining a cybersecurity workforce that is equipped to work with new technologies and address emerging threats is vital to protect CBP's ability to execute its mission."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2016-07-20?
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Border Security: CBP Aims to Prevent High-Risk Travelers from Boarding U.S.-Bound Flights, But Needs to Evaluate Program Performance, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the highlights section within the document: "DHS seeks to identify and interdict international air travelers who are potential security threats to the United States, such as foreign fighters and potential terrorists, human traffickers, and otherwise inadmissible persons, at the earliest possible point in time. In fiscal year 2015, CBP [Customs and Border Protection] processed more than 104 million U.S.-bound air travelers. CBP operates various predeparture programs domestically and overseas that are designed to identify and interdict high-risk travelers before they board U.S.-bound flights. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review CBP's predeparture programs. This report addresses (1) how CBP identifies high-risk travelers before they board U.S.-bound flights; (2) the results of CBP's predeparture programs and the extent to which CBP has measures to assess program performance; and (3) how CBP plans to expand its predeparture programs. GAO reviewed CBP policies and procedures and fiscal year 2015 data across these programs. GAO also visited nine foreign and one domestic airport, selected based on location and traveler volume, among other factors. Information from these visits was not generalizable but provided valuable insights into program operations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01-24
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S. Hrg. 110-304: Human Capital Needs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 'One Face at the Border' Initiative, Hearing before the Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, November 13, 2007
From the opening statement of Daniel K. Akaka. "I call this hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia to order. Today's hearing, Human Capital Needs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 'One Face at the Border' Initiative, will examine the results of a Government Accountability Office report entitled 'Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Travel Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry.' The GAO report details troubling shortcomings in inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at land and air ports of entry. Each year CBP processes more than 400 million pedestrian and passenger entries, as well as 20 million containers with goods, into the United States. The vast majority of visitors to the United States have come here legally for tourism, business, work, studies, or other activities. But the GAO report makes clear that thousands of people each year are entering the country illegally through official ports of entry. I requested that GAO do this study because I was concerned that CBP was not hiring enough officers to screen travelers at ports of entry and that CBP officers were not receiving the training they need to do their jobs properly. This report reinforces my concern." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Paul M. Morris, Richard M. Stana, and Colleen M. Kelley.
United States. Government Printing Office
2008
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Southwest Border: More Timely Border Patrol Access and Training Could Improve Security Operations and Natural Resource Protection on Federal Lands, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Over the last 5 years, Border Patrol has nearly doubled the number of its agents on patrol, constructed hundreds of miles of border fence, and installed surveillance equipment on and near lands managed by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture along the southwestern border. In so doing, the agency has had to comply with federal land management laws, and some have expressed concern that these laws may limit agents' abilities to detect and apprehend undocumented aliens. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine (1) key land management laws Border Patrol operates under and how it and land management agencies coordinate their responsibilities under these laws; (2) how Border Patrol operations are affected by these laws; and (3) the extent to which land management agencies collect and use data related to the environmental effects of illegal activities, such as human trafficking and drug smuggling. GAO reviewed key land management laws, interviewed agents-in-charge at 26 Border Patrol stations responsible for patrolling federal southwest borderlands, and interviewed managers of these lands. GAO recommends, among other things, that the Secretaries of Homeland Security, the Interior, and Agriculture take steps to help Border Patrol expedite access to portions of federal lands by more quickly initiating required assessments. In commenting on a draft of this report, the agencies generally agreed with GAO's findings and recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-10
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Serial No. 115-13: Defeating a Sophisticated and Dangerous Adversary: Are the New Border Security Task Forces the Right Approach?, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, April 4, 2017
This is the April 4, 2017 hearing on "Defeating a Sophisticated and Dangerous Adversary: Are the New Border Security Task Forces the Right Approach?" before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security. From Representative Martha McSally's opening statement: "The subcommittee is meeting today to examine the threat posed by drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations and the Department's unified effort to defeat those threats." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Karl L. Schultz, Paul A. Beeson, Janice Ayala, and Rebecca Gambler.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS's Efforts to Implement and Assess Infrastructure and Technology, Rebecca Gambler, Director Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
"DHS [Department of Homeland Security] has employed a variety of technology, infrastructure, and other assets to help secure the border. For example, in January 2011, CBP [Customs and Border Protection] developed the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan, which includes seven acquisition programs related to fixed and mobile surveillance systems, agent-portable devices, and ground sensors. CBP has also deployed tactical infrastructure--fencing, roads, and lights--and tactical communications (radio systems) and uses air and marine assets to secure the border. In recent years, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has reported on a variety of DHS border security programs and operations. This statement addresses some of the key issues and recommendations GAO has made in the following areas: (1) DHS's efforts to implement the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan and deploy tactical infrastructure, (2) CBP's and ICE's [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] efforts to modernize radio systems, and (3) OAM [Office of Air and Marine] mix and placement of assets. This statement is based on prior products GAO issued from September 2009 through April 2015, along with selected updates conducted in April and May 2015 to obtain information from DHS on actions it has taken to address prior GAO recommendations. In its prior work, GAO made recommendations to DHS to strengthen its management of plans and programs, tactical communications, and mix and placement of OAM assets. DHS generally agreed and plans to address the recommendations. Consequently, GAO is not making any new recommendations in this testimony."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-05-13
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Testimony of Admiral Robert J. Papp, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border & Maritime Security, 'Securing the Nation's Ports and Maritime Border - A Review of the Coast Guard Post 9/11 Homeland Security Missions' [June 14, 2011]
On June 14, 2011, Admiral Robert J. Papp went before the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Border & Maritime Security to discuss the Coast Guard's adequacy regarding maritime security. Topics of discussion where in regard to: Port safety, Threat Response Capabilities, Offshore Operations and International Efforts.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2011-06-14
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Serial No. 109-90: Weak Bilateral Law Enforcement Presence at the U.S.-Mexico Border: Territorial Integrity and Safety Issues for American Citizens: Joint Hearing before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, November 17, 2005
Howard Coble: "Today the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims convene a very important oversight hearing of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to examine the security and safety of the United States citizens living along and traveling between the Mexican/United States border. Recently, there have been numerous reports outlining the increase of violence in the region surrounding Laredo, Texas, and the city across the Mexican border, Nuevo Laredo. Most of the violence is attributed to the drug-trafficking activities in this region and specifically to a group known as 'The Zetas.' The Zetas are an enforcement arm of Gulf Cartel, one of the largest drug cartels in Mexico. This panel is concerned about these reports and looks forward to hearing the Departments' response to these accounts and the efforts being utilized to combat the crime and violence in that region." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Chris Swecker, William Reid, Reynaldo Garza, T.J. Bonner, and Sheila Jackson Lee.
United States. Government Printing Office
2006
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Environmental Protection and Border Security on the U.S.-Mexico Border: Tenth Report of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board to the President and Congress of the United States
This is the tenth report of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board to the President and Congress of the United States regarding environmental and infrastructure practices along the U.S. border with Mexico. "For its Tenth Report to the President and Congress, the Board examines the environmental ramifications of an issue that has taken center stage on the domestic policy scene: homeland security. More specifically, it looks at how environmental protection and homeland security activities intersect along the U.S.-Mexico border and the dynamics that result. The outcome: a set of recommendations on how the U.S. federal government can help maintain strong environmental protection along the border while also strengthening border security activities. To keep its recommendations focused, the Board decided to concentrate primarily on two types of border security activities and the events during 2006 that helped to shape them. The first type relates to the potential environmental impacts of undocumented human crossings, such as undocumented migrants and drug traffickers, and the security work that is carried out to prevent these crossings. While recognizing that some unauthorized human crossings take place via vehicles at major ports of entry, the Board decided to focus primarily on crossings in more rural areas. It looked at potential impacts on both human health and ecosystems."
United States. Good Neighbor Environmental Board
2007-03
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Serial No. 108-34: Integrity and Security at the Border, The US-Visit Program, Hearing before the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundres Eighth Congress, Second Session, January 28, 2004
The purpose of these hearings is to examine the US-Visit program. Subcommittee Vice-Chairwoman Kay Granger made the following remarks in her opening statement, "Today's business is to receive testimony regarding the new border management system to record the arrival and departure of foreign nationals into the U.S.--the United States Visitor and Immigrants Status Indicator Technology program, which we call US-VISIT. This hearing will have two panels. The subcommittee will hear first from Border and Transportation Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson from the Department of Homeland Security, and Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Maura Harty from the Department of State. We will then hear from a second panel comprised of James May, the president and CEO of the Air Transport Association; Kathleen Campbell Walker, a member of the board of directors of the El Paso Foreign Trade Association and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association; and Dennis Carlton, the director of Washington operations for the International Biometric Group." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Kay Granger, Loretta Sanchez, Christopher Cox, Jim Turner, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Norman D. Dicks, Jennifer Dunn, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Bill Pascrell, Jr., John B. Shadegg, John E. Sweeney, Asa Hutchinson, Maura Harty, James May, Kathleen Campbell Walker, Dennis Carlton, Edward K. Pultorak, and J. Clark Robinson.
United States. Government Printing Office
2005
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Serial No. 115-65: Stopping the Daily Border Caravan: Time to Build a Policy Wall, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, May 22, 2018
This is the May 22, 2018 hearing before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security titled "Stopping the Daily Border Caravan: Time to Build a Policy Wall." From the opening statement of Martha McSally: "The subcommittee is meeting today to examine policies that impact the Department's ability to secure the border." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ronald D. Vitiello, Thomas D. Homan, and Lee Francis Cissna.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Statement of Kumar C. Kibble, Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security: 'Border Security and Enforcement - Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders' [May 3, 2011]
"Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Cuellar, and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee: On behalf of Secretary Napolitano and Director Morton, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to coordinate with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement stakeholders to protect national security and uphold public safety by targeting transnational criminal networks and terrorist organizations that seek to exploit our borders and America's legitimate trade, travel, and financial systems. Terrorism and criminal activity are most effectively combated through a collaborative multiagency/ multi-authority approach that encompasses federal, state, local, and tribal resources, skills, and expertise. State, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and fusion centers play a critical role in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) overall strategy to protect our homeland. Recognizing that partnerships are essential, ICE works closely with our law enforcement stakeholders at all levels of government to create a seamless, united front to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. We also work closely with State and local law enforcement agencies to prioritize the identification and removal of criminal aliens upon completion of their penal sentences. More than half of those we removed last year--upwards of 195,000--were convicted criminals, the most ever removed from our country in a single year. That's a more than 70 percent increase in the removal of criminal aliens as compared to 2008."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2011-05-03
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Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain, Statement of Richard M. Stana, Director Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
"Since September 11, 2001, the need to secure U.S. borders has increased in importance and attracted greater public and Congressional attention. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has spent billions of dollars to prevent the illegal entry of individuals and contraband between ports of entry--government designated locations where DHS inspects persons and goods to determine whether they may be lawfully admitted into the country. Yet, while DHS apprehends hundreds of thousands of such individuals each year, several hundreds of thousands more enter the country illegally and undetected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of DHS, is the lead federal agency in charge of securing our nation's borders. This testimony summarizes GAO's [Government Accountability Office] work on DHS's efforts on selected border security operations and programs related to (1) inspecting travelers at U.S. ports of entry, (2) detecting individuals attempting to enter the country illegally between ports of entry, and (3) screening of international travelers before they arrive at U.S. ports and challenges remaining in these areas. GAO's observations are based on products issued from May 2006 through February 2008. In prior reports, GAO recommended various actions to DHS to, among other things, help address weaknesses in the traveler inspection programs and processes. DHS has generally agreed with our recommendations and has taken various actions to address them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2008-03-06
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Supply Chain Security: Providing Guidance and Resolving Data Problems Could Improve Management of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program, Report to the Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"The economic well-being of the United States depends on the movement of millions of cargo shipments throughout the global supply chain-the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers or other end users. However, cargo shipments can present security concerns. CBP [Customs and Border Protection] is responsible for administering cargo security and facilitating the flow of legitimate commerce. CBP has implemented several programs as part of a risk-based approach to supply chain security. One such program, C-TPAT, [Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism] is a voluntary program in which CBP staff validate that members' supply chain security practices meet minimum security criteria. In return, members are eligible to receive benefits, such as a reduced likelihood their shipments will be examined. This report assesses the extent to which (1) CBP is meeting its security validation responsibilities, and (2) CTPAT members are receiving benefits. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed information on security validations, member benefits, and other program documents. GAO also interviewed officials at CBP headquarters and three C-TPAT field offices chosen for their geographical diversity; as well as select C-TPAT members and trade industry officials. GAO is recommending that CBP develop (1) standardized guidance for field offices regarding the tracking of information on security validations, and (2) a plan with milestones and completion dates to fix the Dashboard so the C-TPAT program can produce accurate data on C-TPAT member benefits. DHS concurred with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-08
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Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated December 24, 2002]
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security, consolidating some of them in a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. The Act charges this new directorate with securing the borders; territorial waters; terminals; waterways; and air, land and sea transportation systems of the United States; and managing the nation's ports of entry. As in the past, the challenge for policymakers is to provide a level of border and transportation security that is commensurate with a multitude of threats, while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, as well as protecting civil liberties. Included in this report are conceptual definitions for "border management" and "border security;" descriptions of the missions of the principal border management agencies; brief discussion of seaport and transportation security, since both are integral to border security; and a brief exploration of issues raised by transferring the Federal Protective Service, the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to this new directorate. The report concludes with a summary of major issues that are likely to emerge regarding the establishment and effective operations of the Border and Transportation Security Directorate.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2002-12-24
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [September 7, 2004]
"The United States Border Patrol (USBP) has a long and storied history as our nation's first line of defense against unauthorized migration. Today, the USBP's primary mission is to detect and prevent the entry of illegal aliens into the country, assist in the detection of possible terrorists, and interdict drug smugglers and other criminals. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 dissolved the Immigration and Naturalization Service and placed the USBP within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS, the USBP forms a part of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection under the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. During the last decade, the USBP has seen its budget and manpower more than triple. This expansion was the direct result of Congressional concerns about illegal immigration and the agency's adoption of "Prevention Through Deterrence" as its chief operational strategy in 1994. The strategy calls for placing USBP resources and manpower directly at the areas of greatest illegal immigration in order to detect, deter, and apprehend aliens attempting to cross the border between official points of entry. Post 9/11, the USBP has also refocused its strategy on preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. In addition to a workforce of over 10,000 agents, the USBP deploys vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and many different technologies to defend the border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2004-09-07
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Border Security: U.S.-Canada Border Issues [July 8, 2002]
"The September 11 terrorist attacks and continued threats of future attacks have directed Congress's attention to U.S.-Canada border security-related issues. Both countries are striving to balance adequate border security with other issues such as the facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. Congress has taken action (the USA PATRIOT Act, P.L. 107-56; and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, P.L. 107-173) to increase the number of INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service] border patrol agents and inspectors at northern ports of entry and to provide these officials with additional technologically upgraded equipment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seghetti, Lisa M.
2002-07-08
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S. Hrg. 108-148; Serial No. J-108-5: Border Technology: Keeping Terrorists out of the United States: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security and Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, March 12, 2003
The Entry-Exit system is one of the many technology-related requirements birthed by the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act, which requires the electronic transfer of entry and exit information on all travelers holding legitimate documentation. Biometric features are becoming the key component of new registration technology, and are quickly changing the face of border security. This hearing offers three areas for review: first, examining the current implementation procedures; second, examining the current Customs infrastructure and technology, and lastly, examining the changing needs and demands of borders across the country. Witnesses: Flynn, Stephen; Kirkpatrick, Jeane J.; Hutchison, Asa; Mocny, Robert; Hall, Woody; Kingsbury, Nancy; Stana, Richard.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003-03-12
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Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Announces the Significant Steps in Enhancing Border Security Along the Mexican Border [February 20, 2004]
In this press release, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and the Mexican Secretary of the Interior Santiago Creel agreed on significant border safety and security initiatives in bilateral meetings in Mexico City. These agreements preserve the free flow of $630 million in trade across the U.S./Mexico border every day while maintaining the integrity of the border. The United States and Mexico further agree to jointly and vigorously fight alien smuggling rings and to prosecute those who perpetrate these crimes.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2004-02-20
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Border Security Agency Structure: A Hindrance to Demonstrating Border Security Success
From the thesis abstract: "Long-awaited immigration reform may become a reality in 2013, as Congress debates the merits of a comprehensive overhaul. The primary criteria for triggering reforms in the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.744), involves demonstrated control of the Southwest border. The debate has been complicated, however, because only a few analysts and not the Department of Homeland Security itself have been able to produce acceptable metrics that illustrate success at enforcing border operations, at or between, the ports of entry."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Atwood, Cynthia
2013-12
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Secure Border Initiative Fiscal Year 2009 Expenditure Plan
"This letter formally transmits the summary of an oral briefing we gave in response to a mandate in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, and subsequent agency comments. This mandate required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare an expenditure plan that satisfied 12 specified conditions, and for the plan to be submitted to and approved by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees before the agency could obligate $400 million of the approximately $775 million appropriated for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) fencing, infrastructure, and technology. In response to this requirement, DHS submitted a plan on March 4, 2009, titled 'U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Secure Border Initiative Border Security, Fencing, Infrastructure and Technology (BSFIT) Fiscal Year 2009 Expenditure Plan.' As required by the act, we reviewed the plan and on March 12 and March 13, 2009, briefed staff of the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees, respectively, on the analysis of whether the plan satisfied the 12 specified legislative conditions. In summary, we found that the expenditure plan did not fully satisfy all of the conditions set out by law. Specifically, three of the conditions were satisfied and nine were partially satisfied. For a more detailed summary of the results of our work, see slides 5, 6 and 7. Based on the results of our review, we are not making any recommendations for congressional consideration or agency action. In commenting on a draft of this report, DHS stated that it disagreed with our assessment of partially satisfied for three legislative conditions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-04-30
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Border Security: Immigration Enforcement Between Ports of Entry [April 19, 2016]
"Border enforcement is a core element of the Department of Homeland Security's effort to control unauthorized migration, with the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as the lead agency along most of the border. Border enforcement has been an ongoing subject of congressional interest since the 1970s, when unauthorized immigration to the United States first registered as a serious national problem; and border security has received additional attention in the years since the terrorist attacks of 2001. [...] Enhanced border enforcement also may have contributed to a number of secondary costs and benefits. To the extent that border enforcement successfully deters unauthorized entries, such enforcement may reduce border-area violence and migrant deaths, protect fragile border ecosystems, and improve the quality of life in border communities. But to the extent that migrants are not deterred, the concentration of enforcement resources on the border may increase border area violence and migrant deaths, encourage unauthorized migrants to find new ways to enter and to remain in the United States for longer periods of time, damage border ecosystems, harm border-area businesses and the quality of life in border communities, and strain U.S. relations with Mexico and Canada."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Argueta, Carla N.
2016-04-19
