The Thinly Protected Border

In the ever-evolving political landscape of national security, the role of the U.S. Border Patrol remains crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s borders. Established in 1924, this federal law enforcement agency is tasked with the absolute vital responsibility of securing areas between official ports of entry, where unauthorized crossings are considered illegal. These entry points include land crossings from Mexico and Canada, airports, and seaports, while any crossing between these ports constitutes a violation of federal law.

Note: While the “screamers” want unbridled borderless access to the United States, they often live behind locked doors, walls, and gated communities. On the other end are those solely focused on Mexico and the southern invasion. The subject is far more complex.

The Border Patrol's mission encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges, including intercepting and apprehending individuals and contraband attempting to enter the country unlawfully. This responsibility involves the interdiction of drugs, terrorist activities, weapons, and various other illicit items. Notably, the agency has been at the forefront of addressing the increasing issue of illegal immigration, a subject that has garnered significant public and political attention over the years. Awareness did not begin with the Trump Administration.

Border security is synonymous with national security. Let me repeat that, border security is synonymous with national security. It serves as the first line of defense for the United States, protecting the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring that every town and state does not become an extension of the border. The concept of maintaining secure borders is fundamental to the existence of any country. Without such security, the very fabric of national integrity is at risk.

The United States shares approximately 2,000 miles of southern border with Mexico and about 3,000 miles of northern border with Canada. While the vast coastlines also represent significant points of entry, the primary focus has traditionally been on the land borders. The conditions and threats differ markedly between these borders. The northern border is less densely populated and features challenging geographic conditions, such as forests and mountains, which pose unique enforcement challenges. In contrast, the southern border faces significant threats from cartels and transnational criminal organizations, but this is changing.

Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in individuals crossing into the United States from Canada, a trend driven by cartels exploiting visa waiver programs to facilitate illegal entry. For instance, the Swanton sector in Vermont has experienced a surge in illegal entries, highlighting the necessity for aggressive enforcement and better cooperation from Canadian authorities.

The Border Patrol is organized into 20 sectors across the United States, with nine on the southern border, eight on the northern border, and three coastal sectors. Despite the critical nature of its mission, the agency operates with only 18,000 sworn agents, supplemented by a few thousand support personnel. This number pales in comparison to the resources available to large municipal police forces, underscoring the immense challenges faced by the Border Patrol.

The phrase: “The Thin Blue Line,” can be used with the Border Patrol, and changed to read: “The Thinly Protected Border.”

The operational needs of the Border Patrol have evolved over the years, with significant advancements made during different administrations. For instance, under President Trump, the border saw the implementation of robust security measures, including the construction of physical barriers, technological enhancements, and supportive policies like the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). These measures contributed to a significant reduction in illegal entries, demonstrating the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to border security.

The MPP, commonly known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. This policy effectively closed loopholes that had previously allowed individuals to exploit the asylum system, leading to a marked decrease in illegal entries.

However, policy shifts under the current administration have reversed many of these measures. Executive orders halted the construction of the border wall and ended the MPP, among other changes. These policy reversals, combined with a reduction in ICE detention capacity, have contributed to a substantial increase in illegal entries. The number of apprehensions has surged, reflecting the challenges faced by the Border Patrol in the absence of strong enforcement mechanisms.

The cartels and smuggling organizations have adapted to these changes, continuing to profit from human smuggling operations. The increased numbers of "got-aways," individuals who evade capture, pose significant security risks. Over the past three years, there have been approximately 1.8 million known got-aways, raising concerns about the potential infiltration of criminals, gang members, and terrorists. Stop and think about it, 1.8 million known got-aways. The number of unknown entries is in the tens of millions.

The Border Patrol's operational challenges are immense. Agents often find themselves overwhelmed by large groups of migrants, which diverts resources away from other critical security tasks. The current political environment has made a joke out of the mission and need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to border security.

To address these challenges, it is imperative to provide adequate resources and support to the Border Patrol and other related agencies. This includes increasing the number of agents to 30,000, massively enhancing infrastructure and technology, and implementing effective policies that deter illegal entry while ensuring humane treatment of individuals.

The issue of border security is complex and multifaceted, requiring a balanced approach that upholds the rule of law, protects national security, and addresses humanitarian concerns. But the rule of law should first and foremost apply to natural born citizens who are lawful and taxpaying; and that ought to get the crazies in a state of streaming distress.

A clear position from every elected official and candidate, regardless of the position held or sought, should be asked and known before a vote is given. Why? Because the mission of the Border Patrol is critical to national security, and it is essential to advocate at all levels for the resources and policies necessary to fulfill the mission.