Industry News

Customs Launches Secure Border Initiative

Nov. 9, 2005


Calling it "a comprehensive multi-year plan to secure America's borders," the Department of Homeland Security has announced a new "vision" for border security.  The program is directed primarily at immigration and border crime.  It relies, in part, on an 11% funding increase to CBP.  Highlights of the Secure Border Initiative include:

  • Additional agents on the borders and in the ports
  • The elimination of "catch and release" procedures by expanding detention facilities
  • Upgraded border security technology
  • Infrastructure improvements at the border

Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff's stated goal is to have "operational control" of the northern and southern borders within five years.

Among the technological improvements to be deployed are: additional unmanned aerial vehicles, other aerial assets, remote video surveillance systems, and sensors.