Do Border Walls Work? Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores Responds

Effectiveness of Border Barriers

• 💡 Border barriers, walls, and technology have been used for over 30 years and are effective components of border security.
• 🎯 They provide situational awareness, enabling agents to respond more effectively to events.
• ⚡ Walls provide agents with more patrol and enforcement mileage by preventing illegal crossings in certain areas.
• ⏳ They offer crucial time and space for agents to respond before individuals disappear into urban areas or vehicles.
• 📈 Secure borders fostered by infrastructure and technology allow border communities and businesses to flourish.

Air and Marine Operations (AMO)

• ✈️ Light enforcement aircraft are a critical component for achieving 100% situational awareness along the border.
• ⚠️ Many of these aircraft are decades old and nearing the end of their life cycle.
• 💰 Funding for the replacement of aging airframes is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness.
• 📈 The FY25 budget included two additional light enforcement aircraft, and continued funding is needed to recapitalize the fleet.

Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems

• 🔍 The rollout of non-intrusive inspection systems at ports of entry has been less than ideal.
• 📊 The screening percentage of passenger vehicles remains disappointing.
• 🚀 Congress will continue to invest in this technology, and it's crucial to ensure these systems are installed, operational, and that personnel are trained.
• 🔗 Technology serves as a force multiplier to better secure the border and stop the flow of narcotics.