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Border security - the dawning of a new
era
By Victor M. Manjarez Jr.
Chief Patrol Agent
Unlike the days of old, Americans can no longer take comfort in a passive approach to its national security. The fact is that the safety of Americans at home and abroad has forced its way into becoming our most pressing concern in this day and age.
As a law-abiding nation intent on preventing terrorism and other criminal acts, we strive to protect America�s borders every minute of every hour � and every hour of every day.
The fact is that, on any given day, Border Patrol agents make an average of 3,257 arrests; make 20 seizures consisting of 3,354 pounds of narcotics; seize 49 vehicles; and rescue seven illegal migrants in distress. These figures provide more evidence that the Border Patrol is clearly on the front line of protecting America.
Border Patrol agents maintain high visibility in urban areas along the border. This common practice is designed to prevent illegal entries into the United States and intercept smuggled contraband. More importantly, however, is the Border Patrol�s focus on preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering into the United States.
The evolution of the agency � from a modest beginning in the Texas border town of El Paso � to the level of a premier federal law enforcement agency today, is evident. What was once considered separated layers of immigration, customs and agriculture responsibilities has now been integrated into one uniformed branch under the Department of Homeland Security.
Since the inception of the Border Patrol in 1924, progressive changes have reflected the tone of the nation.
From an agency that began with 450 officers, the agent cadre has now risen nationally to approximately 13,000. It still remains a daunting task to patrol 1,900 miles of international border with Mexico and 5,000 miles with Canada, along with coastal areas that include 95,000 miles of shoreline.
It was shortly after the attacks on September 11, 2001, by 19 terrorists that the Department of Homeland Security was created with the design to better protect America. Seven entities were either created or reassigned in the establishing of DHS: Federal Emergency Management Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation and Security Administration, the Secret Service, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service and Customs and Border Protection.
With a new department being tasked with securing the homeland and guarding the border, INS was officially dissolved. This enabled the Border Patrol to be moved from the Department of Justice to Customs and Border Protection within DHS. Under CBP, the Border Patrol found itself working alongside the Office of Field Operations, formerly known as Customs, and Air and Marine Operations, which previously had been pilots in the former agencies. These three branches, along with International Trade, currently comprise CBP and are responsible for guarding the perimeter of the nation. At the ports of entry, CBP officials are busy inspecting persons and goods being presented for entry into the United States, while the Border Patrol is patrolling between the ports of entry, seeking those wishing to sneak into the country or attempting to smuggle contraband. From the sky, air and marine is maintaining constant surveillance and communication with entities of CBP on the ground.
As part of the new mission statement and significant overhaul of agencies in response to defending the homeland, the issue of illegal immigration remains a challenge. The Secure Border Initiative was created to establish better operational control of the borders while strengthening interior enforcement and compliance with acquired personnel, technology and infrastructure. Gaining effective control of the border by the integration of those three components has become the foundation for SBInet, the by-product of the SBI concept.
SBInet is a comprehensive program designed to transform border patrol technology and infrastructure. SBInet is an aggressive approach designed to meet the demands of guarding our borders. Insistent recruiting has dramatically increased the number of Border Patrol agents from more than 9,000 in September, 2001, to nearly 14,000 today, with the target goal of 18,000 by the end of calendar year 2008. In addition, Boeing Corporation is currently testing and implementing new technologies to be utilized on the border. Infrastructure, including vehicle barriers and bollard fencing, is also part of the strategy.
Texas Mobile, a component of SBInet, is coordinating methods to secure the Texas border while overcoming challenges posed by a river border. Public scoping meetings are being conducted in communities to address environmental concerns and determine logistics of the fencing and mobile platforms. Outreach to ranchers and landowners, initiated by the Border Patrol, has provided a unilateral front while Texas Mobile is being implemented. Border Patrol, along with CBP, is serving as the executive agent for leading, managing, and working with Boeing Corporation and other industry integrators to implement SBInet and Texas Mobile.
The mission of CBP is more vital to this nation than ever in the nation�s history. The integration of new technology, intelligence gathering and more streamlined networking of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad will maintain the upper hand in providing security for law-abiding societies. That, and sheer determination by those on the front lines will carry the agency into the new century with confidence and optimism in achieving our nation�s security.
This destiny, which began in 1924, will continue and evolve as long as America has borders that need to be guarded and protected.
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