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Border Violence: An Examination of DHS Strategies and Resources: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, March 12, 2009
From the opening statement of Loretta Sanchez: "With the Mexican government engaged in a violent struggle against well armed drug cartels that frequently resemble advanced military units, the United States and this Congress cannot ignore our role in assisting our neighbor and ally in this fight, and preventing this violence from spreading across our border. [...] In developing a strategy to assist and deal with the drug cartel war in Mexico there are several key issues that must be addressed: How will we as a nation address the fact that 90 percent of guns found in Mexico come from our streets and stores? What role do we have in training, preparing and providing assistance to the Mexican government? How will we ensure that our shared trade and commerce routes that supply our country with many essentials products are safe from disruption in Mexico? And, how can we ensure that a variety of U.S. Departments and agencies work together efficiently and effectively to respond to this threat? [...] With those concerns in mind, it is essential that the Department of Homeland Security, along with other relevant Departments, continue to pursue a contingency plan to address 'spillover' violence along our border." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Loretta Sanchez, Bennie G. Thompson, Roger T. Rufe, Jr., Alonzo R. Pena, John Leech, Salvador Nieto, and Kumar C. Kibble.
United States. Government Printing Office
2010
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Serial No. 115-67: An Unsecure Border and the Opioid Crisis: The Urgent Need for Action to Save Lives, Field 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 30, 2018
This is the May 30, 2018 field hearing titled "An Unsecure Border and the Opioid Crisis: The Urgent Need for Action to Save Lives," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. From the opening statement of Martha McSally: "One hundred and fifteen Americans die every single day from an opioid overdose. These victims come from all walks of life. They are teachers, business professionals, ranchers, students, Government officials, and retirees. Here in Arizona there have been at least 800 lives lost just last year alone. Some estimates conclude that more than 2 million of our fellow Americans are addicted to opioids. Chances are every single one of us knows someone struggling with opioid dependence. No State, no neighborhood, no socioeconomic group, no family is immune from the destruction and carnage that it brings. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been destroyed, and communities all over the Nation are asking what more can be done to stop this devastating opioid addiction epidemic? I have called this hearing today to not only highlight the crisis but to discuss both law enforcement and non-law enforcement solutions that will ultimately save lives." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Douglas A. Ducey, Guadalupe Ramirez, A. Scott Brown, Douglas W. Coleman, Timothy Roemer, Cara M. Christ, Glorinda Segay, Debbie Moak, Jay A. Cory, and Wayne Warner.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Supply Chain Security: CBP Works with International Entities to Promote Global Customs Security Standards and Initiatives, but Challenges Remain, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Oceangoing cargo containers play a vital role in global trade but can also pose a risk of terrorist exploitation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), oversees security of the supply chain--the flow of goods from manufacturer to retailer. CBP anticipates that adoption of uniform, international customs security standards could eventually lead to a system of mutual recognition whereby the customs security-related practices and programs taken by one customs administration are recognized and accepted by another administration. In response to congressional requesters, GAO [Government Accountability Office] determined (1) actions CBP has taken to develop and implement international supply chain security standards, (2) actions CBP has taken with international partners to achieve mutual recognition of customs security practices, and (3) issues CBP and foreign customs administrations anticipate in implementing 100 percent scanning of U.S.-bound container cargo. To conduct its work, GAO analyzed CBP documents on supply chain security programs and international cooperation initiatives and met with CBP officials and foreign customs officials from various trading partner nations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2008-08
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Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated February 4, 2003]
"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 nations 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. An immediate challenge for the 108th Congress will be to work with the Administration to get the new department operational " up and running" at a time when threats to borders and transportation systems are real and arguably imminent. Moreover, the success of the Directorate will depend in large measure on the effective and expedited coordination of transferred agencies and programs; development of a unified strategic vision for departmental and directorate operations; leverage of new and existing technologies to improve threat detection, but facilitate legitimate cross border travel and trade; adequate funding and staffing; efficient deployment of resources; and successful implementation of recently enacted border, port, and transportation security-related legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2003-02-04
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Serial No. 114-42: A New Approach to Increase Trade and Security: An Examination of CBP's Public-Private Partnerships, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, November 4, 2015
This is the November 4, 2015 hearing on "A New Approach to Increase Trade and Security: An Examination of CBP's Public-Private Partnerships," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Candice S. Miller: "The commerce that moves through the Nation's ports of entry powers our economy, drives job creation, and is fundamental to our way of life. If ports of entry shut down, or traffic is backed up-millions of dollars may be lost, economic growth comes to an abrupt halt, travelers find other destinations to visit, and would-be customs
revenue destined for the U.S. Treasury goes away. Despite the importance of ports of entry to the Nation's economic health, port of entry modernization efforts have been significantly underfunded, and Customs and Border Protection staffing has not kept pace with growing demand. While CBP (Customs and Border Protection) is frequently asked to provide new or additional service at ports of entry across the country, CBP is often unable to accommodate these requests due to staffing shortages and other resource constraints. Over the past few years this Congress has appropriated more than $2 billion dollars for port of entry construction, but that is dwarfed by the estimated $4-6 billion dollars needed to fully modernize our ports of entry. Air passenger volumes are growing at a rate of 4 to 5 percent a year, the Nation has experienced a 24% increase in cargo containers since the dark days of the Great Recession, and more cars and trucks transit the land ports of entry than ever before. We are falling further behind every year to match the demands placed on our CBP Officers and infrastructure." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Wagner, Michael Gelber, Sam F. Vale, and David A. Garcia.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2016
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Prepared Remarks of Attorney General John Ashcroft: U.S. Border Patrol-Native American Border Security Conference
"The attacks of September 11 demonstrated in dramatic fashion the need to pay attention to all facets of our national security. Would-be terrorists, drug smugglers and other illegal migrants pose continuing threats to the health and safety of our nation and its people. Your presence here today demonstrates a clear recognition of the critical need for close cooperation and communication between the U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement officials to protect our borders in Indian country. Although Border Patrol agents have been working with Native Americans ever since the Patrol was established more than 75 years ago, most of this cooperation has been on an ad hoc basis. This informal partnership has often been productive, but we must establish permanent formal relations in order to secure the safety and security of all Americans."
United States. Department of Justice
Ashcroft, John D., 1942-
2002-01-17
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Serial No. 114-75: Overstaying Their Welcome: National Security Risks Posed by Visa Overstays, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, June 14, 2016
This is the June 14, 2016 hearing on "National Security Risks Posed by Visa Overstays," held before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Martha McSally: "Border security naturally evokes images of the hot Arizona desert, dusty border roads, agents, and green fencing and camera towers. But a broader view of border security recognizes that there is more than just security along the Southwest Border to consider. Time and time again terrorists have exploited the visa system by legally entering America." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Wagner, Craig Healy, Kelli Burriesci, and Robert Burns
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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Maritime Security: Progress and Challenges in Implementing Maritime Cargo Security Programs, Statement of Jennifer A. Grover, Director Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittees on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and Border and Maritime Security, Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"The U.S. economy is dependent on the expeditious flow of millions of tons of cargo each day through the global supply chain--the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers. Criminal or terrorist attacks using cargo shipments can cause disruptions to the supply chain and can limit global economic growth and productivity. Within DHS, CBP has responsibility for administering maritime cargo security measures and reducing the vulnerabilities associated with the supply chain. CBP has developed a layered security strategy that focuses its limited resources on targeting and examining high-risk cargo shipments that could pose a risk while allowing other cargo shipments to proceed without unduly disrupting commerce arriving in the United States. This statement discusses the progress and challenges associated with CBP's implementation of initiatives and programs responsible for enhancing the security of the global supply chain. The statement is based on reports and testimonies GAO issued from April 2008 through January 2015 related to maritime cargo security--with selected updates on how DHS has responded to GAO's prior recommendations. […] In prior reports, GAO has made recommendations to DHS to strengthen various maritime cargo security programs. DHS generally concurred with the recommendations and has taken actions, or has actions under way, to address many of these recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Grover, Jennifer
2016-07-07
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Blueprint for Southern Border Security
From the Introduction: "The United States Border Patrol has more agents in the field today than at any time in history. There are also more miles of fencing and a wider array of technological solutions to help detect illicit crossings and the movement of narcotics than ever before. Yet, nearly everyone agrees that the border is not as secure as it needs to be. The consequences of an insecure border are serious because of the destabilizing impact smuggling activity and subsequent violence have along the border. Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), such as drug cartels, make billions of dollars by moving contraband across the border into the United States. Drugs, people, weapons, and money moving across the border pose significant risks to the security of the nation. TCO operations are predicated on evading U.S. border enforcement. As the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) border security efforts become successful in one area, our adversaries adapt by shifting to other, less-secure areas of the border. Aware of existing weaknesses in border security, TCOs are quick to take advantage of these gaps. DHS must improve its ability to predict shifts in smuggling routes and be mobile enough to respond quickly."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
McCaul, Michael T.
2014?
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Immigration Related Border Security Legislation in the 109th Congress [Updated December 19, 2005]
"Border security is considered a central aspect of the United States' overall homeland security. Securing the border involves controlling the official ports of entry (POE) through which legitimate travelers and commerce enter the country, as well as monitoring and patrolling the nation's land and maritime borders to detect and interdict the entry of illegal persons and contraband. The Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the lead federal agency charged with securing our nation's borders at and between POE. In the 109th Congress, there are a large number of bills currently pending that would address some of the immigration issues associated with border security by focusing on the movement of people into the country, both at POE and illegally across the U.S. international land border. This report will focus on the main legislative issues facing the 109th Congress relating to the movement of people across the border. It will not address interior enforcement issues or cargo security issues. At POE, CBP officers screen travelers attempting to enter the country by air, land, or sea to ensure that unwanted or dangerous people do not enter the country. The main issues facing Congress at POE include expanding the biometric entry exit system currently being used to screen entrants; whether the resources currently fielded by the agency (including personnel, technology, and infrastructure) are adequate to the task at hand; and whether the 'one face at the border' initiative, which combined the customs and immigration inspections functions, has been successful."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-12-19
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Immigration Related Border Security Legislation in the 109th Congress [December 9, 2005]
"Border security is considered a central aspect of the United States overall homeland security. Securing the border involves controlling the official ports of entry (POE) through which legitimate travelers and commerce enter the country, as well as monitoring and patrolling the nations land and maritime borders to detect and interdict the entry of illegal persons and contraband. The Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the lead federal agency charged with securing our nations borders at and between POE. In the 109th Congress, there are a large number of bills currently pending that would address some of the immigration issues associated with border security by focusing on the movement of people into the country, both at POE and illegally across the U.S. international land border. This report will focus on the main legislative issues facing the 109th Congress relating to the movement of people across the border. It will not address interior enforcement issues or cargo security issues. At POE, CBP officers screen travelers attempting to enter the country by air, land, or sea to ensure that unwanted or dangerous people do not enter the country. The main issues facing Congress at POE include expanding the biometric entry exit system currently being used to screen entrants; whether the resources currently fielded by the agency (including personnel, technology, and infrastructure) are adequate to the task at hand; and whether the 'one face at the border' initiative, which combined the customs and immigration inspections functions, has been successful."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-12-09
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Securing America's Borders: The Role of the Military [June 16, 2010]
"The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with preventing the entry of terrorists, securing the borders, and carrying out immigration enforcement functions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of DHS, has primary responsibility for securing the borders of the United States, preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States, and enforcing hundreds of U.S. trade and immigration laws. Within CBP, the U.S. Border Patrol's mission is to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens across the nearly 7,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international borders and 2,000 miles of coastal borders surrounding Florida and Puerto Rico. Although the military does not have primary responsibility to secure the borders, the Armed Forces generally provide support to law enforcement and immigration authorities along the southern border. Reported escalations in criminal activity and illegal immigration, however, have prompted some lawmakers to reevaluate the extent and type of military support that occurs in the border region. On May 25, 2010, President Obama announced that up to 1,200 National Guard troops would be sent to the border to support the Border Patrol. Addressing domestic laws and activities with the military, however, might run afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA), which prohibits use of the Armed Forces to perform the tasks of civilian law enforcement unless explicitly authorized."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mason, R. Chuck
2010-06-16
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Securing America's Borders: The Role of the Military [February 25, 2013]
"The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with preventing the entry of terrorists, securing the borders, and carrying out immigration enforcement functions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of DHS, has primary responsibility for securing the borders of the United States, preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States, and enforcing hundreds of U.S. trade and immigration laws. Within CBP, the U.S. Border Patrol's mission is to detect and prevent the illegal entry of aliens across the nearly 7,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international borders and 2,000 miles of coastal borders surrounding Florida and Puerto Rico. Although the military does not have primary responsibility to secure the borders, the Armed Forces generally provide support to law enforcement and immigration authorities along the southern border. Reported escalations in criminal activity and illegal immigration, however, have prompted some lawmakers to reevaluate the extent and type of military support that occurs in the border region. On May 25, 2010, President Obama announced that up to 1,200 National Guard troops would be sent to the border to support the Border Patrol. Addressing domestic laws and activities with the military, however, might run afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA), which prohibits use of the Armed Forces to perform the tasks of civilian law enforcement unless explicitly authorized. There are alternative legal authorities for deploying the National Guard, and the precise scope of permitted activities and funds may vary with the authority exercised."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mason, R. Chuck
2013-02-25
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Supply Chain Security: CBP Has Made Progress in Assisting the Trade Industry in Implementing the New Importer Security Filing Requirements, but Some Challenges Remain, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Cargo containers present significant security concerns given the potential for using them to smuggle contraband, including weapons of mass destruction. In January 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), implemented the Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Additional Carrier Requirements, collectively known as the 10+2 rule. Collection of cargo information (10 data elements for importers, such as country of origin, and 2 data elements for vessel carriers), in addition to that already collected under other CBP rules, is intended to enhance CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments. As requested, GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed, among other things, (1) the extent to which CBP conducted the 10+2 regulatory assessment in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, (2) how CBP used information it collected and assessed to inform its efforts to implement the 10+2 rule since January 2009, and (3) the extent to which CBP has used the additional 10+2 data to identify high-risk cargo. GAO analyzed relevant laws, OMB guidance, and CBP's 10+2 regulatory assessment, and interviewed CBP officials. GAO recommends that CBP should, if it updates its regulatory assessment, include information to improve transparency and completeness, and set time frames and milestones for updating its national security targeting criteria. DHS concurred with these recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-09
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Border Security: Partnership Agreements and Enhanced Oversight Could Strengthen Coordination of Efforts on Indian Reservations, Report to the Honorable Jon Tester, U.S. Senate
"Individuals seeking to enter the United States illegally may attempt to avoid screening procedures at ports of entry by crossing the border in areas between these ports, including Indian reservations, many of which have been vulnerable to illicit cross-border threat activity, such as drug smuggling, according to DHS. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review DHS's efforts to coordinate border security activities on Indian reservations. This report examines DHS's efforts to coordinate with tribal governments to address border security threats and vulnerabilities on Indian reservations. GAO interviewed DHS officials at headquarters and conducted interviews with eight tribes, selected based on factors such as proximity to the border, and the corresponding DHS field offices that have a role in border security for these Indian reservations. While GAO cannot generalize its results from these interviews to all Indian reservations and field offices along the border, they provide examples of border security coordination issues. This is a public version of a sensitive report that GAO issued in December 2012. Information that DHS, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) deemed sensitive has been redacted. […] GAO recommends that DHS examine the benefits of government-to-government agreements with tribes and develop and implement a mechanism to monitor border security coordination efforts with tribes. DHS concurred with our recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-04
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure and Technology Fiscal Year 2011 Expenditure Plan
"This letter formally transmits the briefing slides we provided on November 16, 2011, in response to a mandate in the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011. This mandate required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to (1) update its Fiscal Year 2010 expenditure plan on border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology (BSFIT) for fiscal year 2011 budget authority and (2) submit the updated plan to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The plan is to address 10 legislative conditions in the fiscal year 2010 DHS appropriations act and be reviewed by GAO [Government Accountability Office]. DHS submitted an updated plan to Congress on September 8, 2011. As required by the act, we reviewed the plan. To conduct this work, we analyzed the expenditure plan and documents referenced within the plan, such as strategic plans and reports, and interviewed DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to obtain clarification on material contained in the expenditure plan, including certification memoranda from the DHS Chief Procurement, Chief Information, and Chief Human Capital Officers. In summary, the expenditure plan satisfied some but not all of the legislative conditions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2011-11-17
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Supply Chain Security: CBP Needs to Enforce Compliance and Assess the Effectiveness of the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"Cargo shipments can present security concerns as terrorists could use cargo containers to transport a weapon of mass destruction or other contraband into the United States. In January 2009, CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection], within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), implemented the ISF [Importer Security Filing] rule. The rule requires importers and vessel carriers to submit information, such as country of origin, to CBP before cargo is loaded onto U.S.-bound vessels. The information is intended to improve CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the ISF program. This report addresses: (1) importers' and carriers' submission rates for ISF rule requirements, (2) CBP's actions to enforce the ISF rule and assess whether enforcement actions have increased compliance, and (3) the extent to which the ISF rule has improved CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments. GAO, among other things, analyzed CBP's compliance and enforcement data for 2012 through 2015-the most recent data available at the time of GAO's review-and interviewed CBP officials and trade industry members. GAO recommends that CBP (1) enforce the container status messages (CSM) requirement when targeters identify carriers' noncompliance; (2) evaluate the effect of enforcement strategies on compliance at the port level; and (3) collect additional performance information to better evaluate the effectiveness of the ISF program. DHS concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-07-20
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Serial No. 112-113: Eleven Years Later: Preventing Terrorists from Coming to America, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, September 11, 2012
This is the September 11, 2012 hearing on "Eleven Years Later: Preventing Terrorists from Coming to America," held before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. From the opening statement of Candice S. Miller: "Good morning, everyone. The Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security will come to order. The subcommittee is meeting today to examine the Department of Homeland Security's ability to prevent terrorists from traveling to the United States. We have an excellent panel of witnesses. I would just remind the committee, though, and the witnesses as well, obviously in remembrance of this day, 9/11, 11 years ago, we have some pictures on the back of this committee room which remind us all, each and every day, of why this committee was even formed, the main committee and certainly our subcommittees as well. […] Among the most important weaknesses the attackers exploited was the porous outer ring of border security. The hijackers actually passed through United States Border Security a combined total of 68 times. The relative ease with which the terrorists evaded detection by presenting fraudulent documentation, passports, and made detectable false statements on visa applications, gave false statements to border officials, and certainly the failure to watch lists with known al-Qaeda operatives became missed opportunities to stop those attacks. It has highlighted certainly the need to close the holes exploited by the 9/11 terrorists by strengthening our border security and visa issuance policy. Curtailing the ability of terrorists to travel to the United States can be one of the most effective counter-terrorism tools, because denying terrorists the freedom to travel essentially eliminates their ability to plan or to exercise or to carry out attacks on our homeland." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Candice S. Miller, Henry Cuellar, Kelli Ann Walther, Kevin McAleenan, John P. Woods, Edward J. Ramotowski, Charles K. Edwards, and Bennie G. Thompson.
United States. Government Printing Office
2013
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Ensuring We Have Well-Trained Boots on the Ground at the Border, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, June 19, 2007
From the opening statement of Christopher P. Carney: "The Customs and Border Patrol [CBP] force is one of the best agencies in DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and the Federal Government. Border Patrol agents train at the elite Border Patrol Training Academy, and customs and border protection officers are trained by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. But it is no secret that CBP as a whole lacks the manpower to fulfill its crucial mission. Currently, there are about 13,500 Border Patrol officers on the ground and only 18, 000 customs and border protection officers who are responsible for inspections at more than 300 official ports of entry. The administration urged for, and the last Congress authorized but failed to fund, an additional 10,000 Border Patrol agents. [...] Aside from funding more boots on the ground, we must also ensure funding for our Federal law enforcement training apparatus. Without adequate training capacity and infrastructure, the staffing levels needed to enforce our immigration laws and secure our border will simply be insufficient. Even with the best training, CBP still faces annual attrition due to retirements and transfers. This subcommittee and the full committee have been continually examining the morale problems within DHS, but CBP personnel are so good at what they do, they are being recruited to join other law enforcement agencies. We have spent enough time and money on their training that we must do everything we can in order to keep retention up." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher P. Carney, Mike Rogers, Ed Perlmutter, T. J. Bonner, Colleen M. Kelley, Robert B. Rosenkranz, Cynthia Atwood, Art Morgan, Richard M. Stana, and Charlie Whitmire.
United States. Government Printing Office
2009
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Border Security: Additional Efforts Needed to Address Persistent Challenges in Achieving Radio Interoperability, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The lack of communications interoperability--the capability of different electronic communications systems (e.g., radios) to readily connect with one another to enable timely communications--can affect mission operations and the overall effectiveness of agencies responsible for securing the border. DHS continues to face challenges in achieving interoperable radio communications within and among federal, state, and local agencies despite investment by these agencies to improve their radio systems. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to evaluate DHS border security and immigration tactical communications (TACCOM) programs and operational impacts resulting from interoperability challenges. This report addresses the extent to which (1) CBP [US Customs and Border Protection] and ICE [US Immigration and Customs Enforcement] have upgraded tactical communications equipment and infrastructure along the U.S. southwest border, (2) CBP and ICE have provided tactical communications training to radio users, and (3) DHS has taken actions to improve the interoperability of tactical communications along the U.S. southwest border and what challenges, if any, remain. GAO analyzed DHS documentation; visited four locations, selected for DHS prioritization of technology upgrade projects; and interviewed DHS officials. GAO recommends that CBP and ICE develop performance and program plans for their modernization programs, mechanisms to track training, and plans to address skills gaps in understanding radio systems. CBP and ICE concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-03-23
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Serial No. 113-53: Border Security Oversight: Identifying and Responding to Current Threats, Hearing Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, June 27, 2013
This is the June 27, 2013 hearing, "Border Security Oversight: Identifying and Responding to Threats," before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. From the joint statement of David Murphy and Michael J. Fisher: "We are here today to discuss how border security has changed over the past ten years, not only in terms of resources, infrastructure, and operations, but also in how we assess and measure the state of an ever-changing border environment. Some have suggested that levels of security can be measured in terms of linear miles of 'operational control,' a tactical term once used by the Border Patrol to allocate resources among sectors and stations along the border. We do not use this term as a measure of border security because the complex nature of the multitude of different border conditions cannot be described by a single objective measure. Although an indicator of success, we cannot measure border security solely based on crime rates, because even the safest communities in America have some crime. It is not merely a measure of resources, because even the heaviest concentration of fencing, all weather roads, 24-hour lighting, surveillance systems, and Border Patrol agents cannot seal the border completely." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael Fisher, David J. Murphy, Thomas Homan, Jason Chaffetz, John J. Duncan, Jr., and Rebecca Gambler.
United States. Government Printing Office
2013
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Line in the Sand: A Historical Study of Border Security During Insurgencies and Lessons for the Contemporary Afghan-Pakistan Frontier
From the thesis abstract: "There is increasing consensus amongst those nations engaged in the stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan that Taliban sanctuaries in the ungoverned border regions of Pakistan are central to the insurgency in both countries. Two individual or complementary means of countering this problem include the denial of sanctuary in Pakistan and improving border security between the two countries. This paper examines the border security measures used in three historical insurgencies: Algeria (1954-62), Dhofar (1968-75) and Rhodesia (1965-80). The study applies the methods and lessons from these historical examples to the contemporary Afghan-Pakistan border. Using this framework, the author attempts to support the thesis that traditional methods of border security, even with the use of modern technology, are not applicable to the Afghan-Pakistan border. Furthermore, attempts at obtaining such control would prove counterproductive to this counterinsurgency. The analysis focuses on physical barriers, population resettlement, external action, tribal or auxiliary forces and in-depth interdiction. The study finds that barriers and population resettlement are impractical for use in Afghanistan and likely to result in adverse consequences at the strategic level. The other measures have varying degrees of utility and applicability. The author concludes that a high degree of border control is unachievable along the Afghan-Pakistan border and suggests that border security should remain an economy of effort within the overall campaign. If these findings are accepted, it implies that the U.S. led Coalition should resist calls to concentrate on the border and, instead, strengthen security in the interior of Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Joint Forces Staff College (U.S.). Joint Advanced Warfighting School
Storr, Dan, 1969-
2009-04-03
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Supply Chain Security: Container Security Programs Have Matured, but Uncertainty Persists over the Future of 100 Percent Scanning, Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"Cargo containers that are part of the global supply chain--the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers--are vulnerable to threats from terrorists. The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 and the Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take actions to improve maritime transportation security. Also, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act) required, among other things, that by July 2012, 100 percent of all U.S.-bound cargo containers be scanned. Within DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for container security programs to address these requirements. This testimony addresses, among other things, (1) efforts to gather advance information about container shipments to assess risks, (2) technologies used to protect the integrity of containers and scan them, and (3) the status of efforts to scan 100 percent of U.S.-bound containers. GAO's [Government Accountability Office] statement is based on products issued from April 2005 through July 2011, along with selected updates conducted from January to February 2012. Updates involved collecting information from CBP on the status of efforts to address GAO's prior recommendations on these issues and its plans to implement 100 percent scanning."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2012-02-07
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Overruled: White House Overrules Department of Homeland Security Budget Request on Border Security Personnel
"The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) plays a critical role in the process of developing the President's Budget Proposal each year. The Democratic staff of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs recently obtained a non-public document communicating OMB guidance from the President to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding its upcoming budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. At the request of Ranking Member Claire McCaskill, this staff report summarizes budgetary information contained within the document that relates to staffing at DHS. Key findings include: (1) A document obtained by the Committee reveals that OMB overruled specific DHS budget requests on a number of personnel issues during the development of the FY 2019 President's Budget proposal. (2) OMB instructed DHS to hire 1,000 more new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents officers than DHS actually requested, raising the total number of new law enforcement personnel ICE must hire in FY 2019 from 1,000 to 2,000. (3) In contrast, OMB did not accept DHS's proposed increase in funding for the Office of Field Operations, which employs CBP [Customs and Border Protection] Officers stationed at ports of entry and has major responsibilities for border security. (4) OMB rejected the Department's request for a 2019 pay raise for Border Patrol Agents, ICE Agents, CBP Officers, and other DHS employees, and refused an increase for CBP health benefits. The President's FY 2019 budget proposal will seek a government-wide pay freeze for all civilian federal employees, potentially impacting the Department's ability to recruit and retain qualified employees."
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
2017-12-13?
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Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated May 22, 2003]
"The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transferred several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which became operational March 1, 2003, 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 nations 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. The success of the Directorate will depend in large measure on the effective and expedited coordination of transferred agencies and programs; development of a unified strategic vision for departmental and directorate operations; leverage of new and existing technologies to improve threat detection, but facilitate legitimate cross border travel and trade; adequate funding and staffing; efficient deployment of resources; and successful implementation of recently enacted border, port, and transportation security-related legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.
2003-05-22
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Assessing the Adequacy of DHS Efforts to Prevent Child Deaths in Custody, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, January 14, 2020
This is the January 14, 2020 hearing titled "Assessing the Adequacy of DHS Efforts to Prevent Child Deaths in Custody" before the House Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Kathleen M. Rice: "We have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of families and children arriving on the Southern Border over the past several years. Most of these families and children arrived from Central America, fleeing vicious cartels, gang violence, and extreme poverty. After surviving long dangerous journeys, these families should have been met with safe refuge, but instead they encountered this administration's myriad of inhumane border policies like family separation, zero tolerance detention, and the Remain in Mexico policy. These policies and management decisions by the administration have contributed to mass overcrowding and wide-spread inhumane conditions at Customs and Border Protection facilities across our Southern Border." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Brian S. Hastings and Alexander L. Eastman.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2020
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Serial No. 114-60: Another Surge of Illegal Immigrants Along the Southwest Border: Is This the Obama Administration's New Normal? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, February 4, 2016
This is the February 4, 2016 hearing on "Another Surge of Illegal Immigrants" held before the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. From the opening statement of Trey Gowdy: "Once again, we are witnessing a crisis at our southwest border as thousands of unaccompanied minors and adults are coming to the United States. [...] This Administration claims these aliens are flooding our border to flee violence and poverty in their native countries and our government cannot do anything to stop it. However, based on their own intelligence reports, this Administration's policy of non-enforcement is, in fact, sparking the surge in the first instance. [...] We must at some point send a clear message to potential unlawful immigrants that discourage entry into our country. That would be in the best interests, frankly, of everyone." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Brandon Judd, Steven C. McCraw, Jessica M. Vaughan, and Wendy Young.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2016
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Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Border Protection-007 Border Crossing Information System of Records
From the Summary: "The Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) is issuing a final rule to
extend the exemptions from certain
provisions of the Privacy Act to the
updated and reissued system of records
titled, 'DHS/U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP)-007 Border Crossing
Information System of Records.'
Specifically, the Department exempts
portions of the 'DHS/CBP-007 Border
Crossing Information System of
Records' from one or more provisions
of the Privacy Act because of criminal,
civil, and administrative enforcement
requirements. This final rule is effective March 21, 2016."
United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Government Publishing Office
2016-03-21
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Fact Sheet: Securing America's Borders CBP 2006 Fiscal Year in Review [October 30, 2006]
This fact sheet reviews CBP actions during 2006. "During fiscal year 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection made significant progress toward securing our nation's border at and between the ports of entry. Through operations, increases in staffing, additional infrastructure and better technology, and the support of the President and Congress, CBP's frontline personnel were better equipped in fiscal year 2006 than any period in the nation's history."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2006-10-30
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Immigration Related Border Security Legislation in the 109th Congress [Updated September 19, 2006]
"This report will focus on the main legislative issues facing the 109th Congress relating to the movement of people across the border. It will not address interior enforcement issues or cargo security issues. At POE, CBP officers screen travelers attempting to enter the country by air, land, or sea to ensure that unwanted or dangerous people do not enter the country. The main issues facing Congress at POE include expanding the biometric entry exit system currently being used to screen entrants; and whether the resources currently fielded by the agency (including personnel, technology, and infrastructure) are adequate to the task at hand.[...] Border security is considered a central aspect of the United States' overall homeland security. Securing the border involves controlling the official ports of entry (POE) through which legitimate travelers and commerce enter the country, as well as monitoring and patrolling the nation's land and maritime borders to detect and interdict the entry of illegal persons and contraband. The Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the lead federal agency charged with securing our nation's borders at and between POE. In the 109th Congress, there are a large number of bills currently pending that would address some of the immigration issues associated with border security by focusing on the movement of people into the country, both at POE and illegally across the U.S. international land border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas; Beaver, Janice Cheryl
2006-09-19
