Free Essay

Border Security

In:

Submitted By griffin85x
Words 1305
Pages 6
Running head: Has Technology Improved Border Security Operations 1

Border Security Technology

HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS 2 Border Security Technology Border security is paramount to the security of the United States of America. There are 7,000 miles of land border with Canada and Mexico as well as numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. These areas are the entry and exit to our nation and an economic gateway for the world. In today’s world, extremist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) pose many challenges to the security of our country. Not only do these organizations pose challenges but an innumerable amount of threats face our country. It all begins at our borders, from immigration to the illegal movement of weapons and drugs; we are faced with an overwhelming force. To combat this force the Department of Homeland Security utilizes technology in the undermanned field to ensure Border Patrol Agents are safe and able to complete the tasks assigned to them. Prior to the focus on border operations, technology wasn’t utilized as it is today, which resulted in high crime rates and the ability for drug and weapons to be smuggled in at an alarming rate. Since 2002, the use of technology has decreased crime in Border States as well as increased the amount of money, weapons, and drugs seized. The Department of Homeland Security’s role in the security of the Borders of the United States is an increasing task. The use of technology such as cameras, drones, motion detectors, and even body scanners have attributed to the success of the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). The result of this affected the methods of which individuals use to gain entry into the United States. The borders of the United States are a fluent and constantly evolving battle that must be fought head on.
HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS 3

The Department of Homeland Security has a vast organization that after its creation had an enormous task of ensuring the security of our Nation. This is a fiscally challenging area, especially with the multiple agencies and international requirements. The Custom and Border Protection agency has a workforce of over 63,000 employees varying from securing ports, patrolling both land and sea borders, and different avenues of border protection. With a budget of $12.9 Billion the CBP has an enormous responsibility; of which identifying and staying ahead of immigration and the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and people is a key responsibility. The technology used today is an effective tool but must be adaptable to the demands of securing our border. The Department of Homeland Security’s Custom and Border Protection Agency is a vital element to the security of our nation. Since its inception in the capacity that it is today they have drastically decreased the amount of contraband coming into this country. With today’s challenges, drugs and weapons are a major challenge for CBP officers. One of the most important activities for a United States Border Patrol Agent is a, “line watch”. This is basically the use of detection, prevention, and apprehension of terrorists, illegal aliens, and smugglers of both people and contraband. They are able to perform these tasks by maintaining surveillance from covert positions and responding to electronic sensor television systems, aircraft sightings, and utilizing tracking skills. Some of the major activities used by CBP officers are basically traffic checks throughout rural areas to include city patrol and anti-smuggling activities. The

HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS 4 training that CBP officers must go through is arduous and can be months long with the ability to be transferred in a moment’s notice. The Customs and Border Protection agency has grown to meet the needs of the 21st century threat. Throughout the past two decades the Border Patrol has developed an extensive Strategic Plan that has identified high risk traffic areas that are going to require more support both in technology but personnel. The evolution of the Border Patrol as a risk-based, intelligence-driven law enforcement organization is part of the transition following September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The continued transition is key to the success of not only the CBP but the Department of Homeland Security; while maintaining a positive relationship with Canada and Mexico to ensure international bond. The cooperation was nonexistent a few years ago with Mexico, but with the focus on the borders between these two nations a safe and successful operation will occur. Funding will be key to ensure that the goals between Federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners is met. The end result is obviously a secure border but technology and personnel are essential factors to meet the needs of the goals outlined in the Department of Homeland Security. An investment must be made in the organizational capabilities and personnel to ensure border-security operations continue to facilitate at a level which supersedes previous years. The tools available to CBP agents vary by location and have been detrimental to the success thus far in border security operations. The uses of Unmanned Aerial Systems have allowed more area to be covered without spreading agents out over a far area. Other tools
HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS 5 available to the Customs and Border Patrol is the use of Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS), Imaging Sensors (IS), Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS), Mobile Surveillance Systems, Mobile Video Surveillance systems, biometrics, night vision, thermal imaging, X-Ray vehicles, and even Agent Portable Surveillance Systems. All these are financially demanding necessities in the fight to keep our borders safe from not only smuggling weapons and drugs, but to terrorism especially since the international threat of ISIS. In Fiscal Year 2013 the U.S. Border Patrol has 420,789 nationwide apprehensions which is roughly 16% above 2012 statistics. At ports of entry CBP officers arrested 7,976 people wanted for serious crimes to include murder, rape, assault, and robbery. On top of the 7,976, port officials prevented 132,000 inadmissible aliens from entering the U.S. through ports of entry. 5,378 high-risk travelers were prevented from boarding flights destined for the U.S. which is an increase of 28% from the fiscal year 2012. A rough estimate of enforcement operations throughout the border states with South America are 414,397 apprehensions, 2.9M pounds of drugs seized, $41.3M seized, and 102,607 personnel deemed inadmissible and returned to their point of origin. The statistics are outstanding but only a fraction of what is actually coming through our borders. In order to fully understand the effects of illegal entrance into the U.S. a survey must be conducted with questions that pertain to the region of which field officers are operating. For example, officers operating in the on the Southern borders would be more apt to questions pertaining to desert climates and techniques to deal with the temperature and dangerous landscapes.
HAS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS 6

REFERENCES
CBP Fiscal Year 2013 in Review. (2014, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/
Five Years After 9/11 Attacks: U.S. Ports More Secure Than Ever;
Progress Must Continue AAPA Cites Advances In Guarding America's Seaports Against
Terrorism, http://www.aapa-ports.org/Press/PRdetail.cfm?itemnumber=1092 (last visited Oct9, 2008).

Mathieson, B. (2009, January 1). A SAFE AND SECURE CANADA-UNITED STATES BORDER: CUSTOMS-TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM (CTPAT); PARTNERS IN PROTECTION (PIP); FREE AND SECURE TRADE (FAST); E-MANIFEST (ACE/ACI); TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS (NEXUS); AND INTEGRATED BORDER ENFORCEMENT TEAMS (IBETs).

Nakarni, S. (2013, October 1). “Let’s Have a Look, Shall We?” A Model for Evaluating Suspicionless Border Searches of Portable Electronic Devices.

Adams, J. (2005). Rights at United States Borders

What Is Homeland Security Responsible for? (2010, May 5). Retrieved September 24, 2014.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

U.S. Border Security (Land, Air, Sea)

...U.S. Border Security (land, Air, Sea) Kelvin Lewis National University U.S. Border Security (land, air, sea) International borders define the sovereign territories of nations like the United States. Ports of entry and borders provide the exit and entrance points for people, goods, and conveyances, which enter or depart a country. Modulating borders and other ports of entry like the airports is crucial in ensuring the law and preventing the flow of contrabands, which may include illegal drugs. Moreover, criminals may use these points of entry to enter the U.S and carry out their illegal activities. The U.S borders and airports have exhibited a vulnerability towards the drug threat. Through restricting the flow of drugs across its borders, the U.S can reduce the availability of drug within its borders (McLinden & World Bank. 2011). Consequently, it may significantly reduce the effects of drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country. The smuggling of drugs and the entry of criminals is an unbearable slur to the welfare of the nation. The duty of countering the effects of aliens and contrabands is vested in local law-enforcement, state and federal agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting up security schemes in the airports. Nonetheless, recent terrorist and smuggling events have portrayed the vulnerability of the security systems in the U.S airports. The security systems employ modern and conventional technology. It thus begs the question as to...

Words: 1199 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Border Security After 9/11

...United States Border Security Post 9/11 ABSTRACT U.S. border security in the post 9/11 era requires careful attention to all potential threats with particular focus on mitigating circumstances that lead to reductions in citizen safety and security. These efforts must be balanced with protection of U.S. citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and commerce. Additionally, security activities must protect borders while minimizing interference with international trade. Primary concerns at the land borders include tracking movements of people into and out of the U.S. (including potential terrorists) at the traditional borders, curtailing illegal immigration and stopping drug trafficking. Sea borders are the primary route of illegal smuggling and now have more coordinated efforts between federal agencies, law enforcement, and private interests. Skies are protected by the DHS and its private entity the TSA but often include invasive search procedures for passengers. With the post 9/11 realization of America’s vulnerability to external threats, border security became a subject of greater inquiry and action. United States border security can be categorized by the three mediums of transportation across borders – land, sea, and sky. Significant changes have occurred in the domestic security protocols utilized in all three mediums to reduce terrorist threats on U.S. soil, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. While it seems obvious in the post 9/11 perspective that domestic...

Words: 2521 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

U.S. Border Security (Land, Air, Sea)

...U.S. Border Security (land, Air, Sea) U.S. Border Security (land, air, sea) International borders define the sovereign territories of nations like the United States. Ports of entry and borders provide the exit and entrance points for people, goods, and conveyances, which enter or depart a country. Modulating borders and other ports of entry like the airports is crucial in ensuring the law and preventing the flow of contrabands, which may include illegal drugs. Moreover, criminals may use these points of entry to enter the U.S and carry out their illegal activities. The U.S borders and airports have exhibited a vulnerability towards the drug threat. Through restricting the flow of drugs across its borders, the U.S can reduce the availability of drug within its borders (McLinden & World Bank. 2011). Consequently, it may significantly reduce the effects of drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country. The smuggling of drugs and the entry of criminals is an unbearable slur to the welfare of the nation. The duty of countering the effects of aliens and contrabands is vested in local law-enforcement, state and federal agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting up security schemes in the airports. Nonetheless, recent terrorist and smuggling events have portrayed the vulnerability of the security systems in the U.S airports. The security systems employ modern and conventional technology. It thus begs the question as to how effective the security...

Words: 1195 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Border Security Bill

...The border security, economic opportunity, and immigration modernization act is a bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. This act was introduced by the senate, proposed by Chuck Schumer to make it impossible for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status, and to make a securer border (“Text of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”). If the bill is passed the bill would keep all expatriate or any immigrants sent out of the United States by government commands (“Text of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”). By doing this all U.S citizens would benefit because they all would now be kept safe but it would be harder due to time to check for approval to leave or come back into the United stated for any citizen due to security reasons. Illegal immigrants would not be able to come into the United States unauthorized and the citizens of the United States will be safe and secure from attackers or any unlawful duty wanting to be caused by outsiders. This bill should not be passed because to newcomers the United States is a safe haven to all and the land of the free. If they are not allowed to come to the United States to be free, where else is there for them to go? There is no other land called the “Land of The Free” besides the United States and it should stand behind its name. No one but the outsiders know how despotic their leaders are or could be. Yes, this bill...

Words: 542 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Border Security of Texas and Mexico

...BORDER SECURITY OF TEXAS AND MEXICO FirstName LastName Class Name DD Month, YYYY bORDER sECURITY OF texas and mexico Border security is a subject that is at the forefront of the mind of most people today. When considering border security, the subject of illegal immigration is often the first consideration. When considering the impact and cost of illegal immigration, many people consider only the jobs illegal immigrants may take away from legal citizens. While the impact to the job market is certainly of concern, that is an issue which can be controlled by the employer. Employers do not have to hire illegal immigrants. However, there are other factors to consider regarding border security and illegal immigration beyond that of the job market which are not voluntary, and the taxpayer has no control over. This paper will focus on the specific Texas and Mexico border security topics as they relate to illegal immigration: 1. Texas-Mexico Border and Illegal Immigration 2. Illegal Immigrant Education 3. Illegal Immigrant Social Welfare and Health Care Programs 4. Illegal Immigrant Criminal Justice Texas-Mexico Border and Illegal Immigration The subject of illegal immigration has become a hot topic in the current political environment. It is not surprise, as the population of illegal immigrants in the United States grows with every passing day. In 1996, the estimated population of illegal immigrants in the United States was 5 million people. As of 2011...

Words: 2736 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Argumentative Essay On Border Security

...to our nation’s security, society, and ideals. One of these threats is illegal immigration. The United States has the largest illegal-immigrant population of any nation. As a result of illegal immigration, our country’s need for strong and safe borders is at an all time high. Recently, Senator John McCain introduced the bill, cosponsored by Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, S.750 - Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act, where it passed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental...

Words: 433 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Military on Border

...Should The United States Militarize Its' Borders What does the word territory mean to you? Could it mean simply an area of land that is ruled under the jurisdiction of a state or leader? Territory is one of the never ending battles humans of the Earth will face. We fought over it hundreds of thousands of years ago. And we are still fighting over it today. The battles we face today are different that in the past. Today the United States are fighting to keep the U.S. of America free and not overrun. But is that victory we envision in our future worth the cost it will entail. The only thing that is separating the United States border and Mexico’s border is simply an imaginary line. It is nothing we can see just what we are told is there. Then there are the official structures, the fences and wall and the use of border patrol agents to enforce the laws and boundaries. Yet you still have illegal immigrants crossing into United States territory without permission. What can we do to solve this issue at hand? We can invest in the use of heavy force. We can militarize our borders. Militarization is the organization or aggregation of military force in a territory. (Wickham, n.d.) The United States can send thousands of men and women to the borders to stop this from occurring. They can increase the size of the fences and walls. Invest in drones and spy planes. The only problem is how many will it take, or how will this affect the economy of the United States. This could lead to higher...

Words: 2312 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Barbara's Blouses

...Title Page BARBARA’S BLOUSES 1). What are some of the risks of buying overseas that one can avoid by buying from domestic sources? The major risk for any procurement team or importer to consider when buying overseas verses domestic is the associated costs. Some of these include: * Tariffs and the risks associated with non- tariffs - Tariffs are taxes levied on goods when they cross an international border, e.g. import duties. Non- tariff includes laws, regulations or requirements that prevent or impede the importation of goods without a good cause. These may include customs procedures, inadequate infrastructure, and protectionist government subsidies. * Distance in which these products come from thus increasing lead times – longer lead times can result in missing customer deadlines and can be very costly. * Transportation and Logistics costs for importing based on distance can also result in heavier costs towards the cost of the material or the importer * Currency and fluctuations – if the currency exchange is not predicted or considered, there could be significant loses to the cost of the items. * Quality: returns or warranties of materials – this can also cause a high cost due to the fact that returns or warranties may not exist, hence the importer taking the hit on these deficiencies or damages * Evaluation and hidden costs such as TCO should always be considered in order to understand the full cost to bring an item or items from overseas verses domestic...

Words: 1537 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Ism510

...Critical Thinking Kevin Schook ISM510 - Information Technology in the Global Enterprise Colorado State University – Global Dr. Omondi Opala April 12, 2015 Module 5: Critical Thinking Regulating data flows Regulation of cross border data flows or data protection regulation has had negative implications on sectors of the economy, business, organizations that are public and NGOs. The public has been very narrow when it comes to data protection regulation. Even when discussed the public has concerns about the costs that it would take to implement a proper regulation. The public would be taking a risk that involves unintended consequences that could become over-looked and even produce negative consequences that could restrict existing business opportunities. The level of data protection subjects are not improved because of ineffectively designed measures, poor targeting of instruments, and the public narrow view on cross border data regulation. The end result is excessive opportunity costs to society, businesses along with consumers, and leaving everyone else in a bad position. Here are some negative impacts that result from cross border data restrictions: 1. Cross border data flow of customers to foreign countries is prohibited. 2. Cross border data flow of employees to other businesses in foreign countries is prohibited. 3. IT/Server infrastructure forced to another location. Business impacts Some of the issues stated above are trade barriers because they restrict...

Words: 706 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Border Crossing

...indigenous people. Zaitchik is a freelance journalist who is affiliated with Poverty Law, a U.S. organization that supports ethnic and racial tolerance. He also has published articles in the Prague Post, the Prague Pill, Reason, and the New Republic. Zaitchik’s article attempts to convey the idea that Mexico’s economy is forcing people to take desperate measures in order to survive. He uses his experience with a border crossing simulation as a way to lure the reader into the article. Zaitchik then proceeds to use statistical evidence to enlighten the reader about Mexico’s economic dependency on migrant workers. Zaitchik travelled to Mexico to learn about and participate in the border crossing simulation. He effectively uses his experience with the border crossing simulation, its participants, the Otomi people and his knowledge of the Mexican economy to effectively present his argument. Zaitchik’s personal experience and knowledge of the Otomi’s plight supplement his argument. He provides a series of facts and anecdotal evidence to show the emergence of a border crossing simulation in Mezquital Valley as a prelude to a bigger problem, Mexico’s economic dependency on migrant workers. Zaitchik states that the Otomi, the indigenous people of Mezquital Valley, lost 90% of their working class to migrant workers (258). Many of the Otomi migrant workers make the trip north to work seasonally, but many are unable or unwilling to return (259). The author’s use of these facts establishes...

Words: 1251 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

On the Border

...Anthony Batista Professor Black ENGL 102 06-06-2012 On the Border Is protecting our borders necessary? For the sake of argument, we can all agree some level of protection is necessary. A hasty generalization, perhaps, but let’s continue nonetheless. The real question becomes-- to what extent should we secure our borders? Here is where we reach a fork in the river. On one side, you have the conservative right-wing view, pushing to secure our borders at all costs. On the other side, is the liberal left-wing view, advocating for leniency when it comes to securing our borders. Let’s start with the conservative viewpoint. In the article “At the Border, on the Night Watch”, Marc Lacey reports on decreased border crossings in the border town of Douglas, Arizona. For example, “no matter the dire rhetoric often heard in political circles, crossings at this stretch of border are nowhere near what they once were” (Lacey). This is a good example of a slippery slope fallacy appealing to the fear factor (i.e. claim that a certain way of thinking or acting will necessary lead to more of the same). Proponents for border patrol argue an increase in staffing serve as a deterrent to thwart border crossings and help to apprehend drug traffickers, which ignores the possibilities of lesser financial incentive due to a weaker U.S. economy for immigrants or perhaps, more attractive crossing routes elsewhere. Another argument of proponents is improved fencing. For example, “Douglas used...

Words: 1184 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Family

...Rapid technological developments with the onset of modernism and capitalism, movement of people and goods across national borders has become easy. Foreign investment became a common trend particularly in the 20th century. People have found employment overseas. People from various countries work or do business together. With these developments, it is obvious that conflicts between parties of different nationalities occur and liability to tax on income of foreigners especially among those engaging in trading venture. Whilst the laws affecting domicile and residence may be sufficiently settled, it is paramount for courts to pursue a detailed analysis to ascertain specific preliminary issues so as to avoid controversial rulings. Courts often handle numerous financial cases that involve what can be best described as foreign or international elements. In such cases, court must decide whether it has the jurisdiction under the Family Law Act 1975 to make a decision on such cases. In the event that it is determined that the court is invested with the jurisdiction to determine the case, the court has to consider whether there is a system of law in foreign country that also has the jurisdiction to handle the case. As it was addressed in the case Attorney General of New Zealand v Ortiz [1984] AC 1, these benefits and costs to either party if the case resolution is made in foreign country as compared with the apparent country should also be a subject of concern. [1] Legal systems...

Words: 659 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Laredo Texas

...if they are separated from other cultures and classes; sometimes we can feel disconnected with our own customs which have evolved though a history that we may or may not have been a part of. Author Mimi Swartz in “Once upon a time in Laredo” correlates the complex history of the small border town of Laredo in south Texas with an annual debutant ball honoring the first United States President and his wife. In an effort to “gin up patriotism along the border” (p.4) the pageant celebration can not only remedy the town’s struggles with their history and multicultural background but also show Laredo’s present struggles with lineage and class structure in a changing modern world. Swartz makes evidence of her claim by giving historical examples behind Laredo and how the town became so famous for its debutant ball. Understanding the unique challenges this border town in Texas was facing, the author paints a picture of how its existence came to be. “After the U.S. defeated Mexico in 1948 in a bitter war for control of Texas, the boundary between the two countries shifted to the Rio Grande, and Laredo jointed the Union”(p.4). Once territories were drawn and many of its citizens came from across the border and even “drawing immigrants from Europe and other parts of the U.S.” (p.4), the town was becoming multicultural in nature. In an effort to cement itself in the country, the citizens of Laredo had created a celebration for George Washington “…to prove that Laredo’s loyalty was to the...

Words: 1031 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Us Casas

...* The case is before the court for respondent’s motion to suppress evidence * Agent Stoddard did not have reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle as set forth by the Fourth Amendment * District Court of Arizona denied respondent’s motions to suppress * Facts of the Case * The afternoon of January 1998 Agent Clinton Stoddard was working at a border checkpoint by highway 191 30 mile north of Douglas Arizona * Respondent was traveling on an unpaved road and area Know to be taken by drug smugglers * respondents minivan set off the magnetic sensors which are used to alert boarder officer * Officer Stoddard spotted the respondent and asked permission to search the minivan * Issue(s) * Does Agent have good cause to stop Respondent minivan in compliance of the Fourth Amendment? * Holding * The court rule in favor of Agent Stoddard after examining the facts stated Stoddard had reasonable suspicion to believe that respondent was engage in drugs smuggling * Reasoning * The court applied the reasoning Stoddard to inter from his observation, registration check, experience as a border patrol agent. Stoddard had reasonable suspicion to believe that Arvizu was engaged in illegal activity, having considered the totality of the circumstances and given due weight to the factual inferences drawn by the law enforcement officer and District Court Judge. The Court reasoned that, although each factor alone could have appeared innocent, when taken...

Words: 308 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Global Computer Industry

...Q.1 What role did country environments, government policies and firm level capabilities play in the evolution of the global computer industry? Country Environments: Government’s R&D efforts provided the initial spark required by private firms, who took over and expanded the early concepts to commercially viable ideas and products. Also, the government agencies were a major buyer of computer technologies. Japanese government started many state subsidised research projects which helped local firms to develop competency mainframe and computer manufacturing. European nations also provided funding to their local firms for R&D. Government Policies: Government policies often followed protectionist strategies against foreign competitors and allowed local firms to expand and grow. This was evident from the governments favouring local firms over foreign vendors for buying technologies. In Japan, state departments were mandated to buy Japanese products. The US state departments were a major buyer of IBM’s general purpose computers. All European nations also favoured their own local firms for all government procurements. The government policies also helped in the regulation of domestic competition and fostered more competition. The U.S. Department of Justice initiated three major antitrust suits against IBM which forced the company to unbundle its hardware and software which opened the door for other hardware and software vendors to make compatible products. Firm Level Capabilities: ...

Words: 588 - Pages: 3