The directive aimed at completing the southwest border wall is underway, marking a significant shift in policy with the goal of enhancing border security.
A memo from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), issued on the first day of the second Trump administration, emphasizes the importance of expanding the “smart border wall” along the southwest boundary. This modern approach to border security employs advanced surveillance technologies such as cameras, drones, biometrics, and motion sensors to deter illegal crossings and monitor undocumented immigrants.
According to a memo dated January 20, obtained by The Epoch Times, a 12-mile segment of the smart border wall in San Diego has demonstrated its potential to reduce staffing needs and bolster security.
The analysis of this early system highlights significant cost savings, suggesting that the reduction in personnel expenses alone could result in an approximate $28 million annual return on investment throughout the system’s lifecycle.
The memo, signed by senior CBP official Pete Flores, underscores the necessity of building a smart border wall system to effectively secure the southern border. It mandates immediate action from CBP to complete the border wall, incorporating all requisite technology as swiftly as possible. This directive is a clear indication of the administration’s commitment to reinforcing border security.
CBP has been directed to utilize the most efficient tools available to secure access to necessary land, including leasing private property. Additionally, they are to deploy all feasible temporary barriers along the southwest border to prevent unauthorized entries. This approach highlights the urgency of the situation and the administration’s determination to address it promptly.
To expedite the process, CBP will work alongside Department of Defense personnel and any cooperative state authorities. The objective is to identify and deploy available resources to secure America’s borders and accelerate the construction or deployment of additional barriers, as deemed appropriate by the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, in line with available funding.
Manny Bayon, the National Border Patrol Council union president in the San Diego sector, detailed the specifics of the 12-mile smart border wall section. This stretch, tested from the Pacific Ocean at Imperial Beach to the Chula Vista area of San Diego County, has proven to be an effective measure in curbing illegal immigration.
The directive also calls for new physical barriers to be installed in known gaps, like those at Otay Mountain and near border communities such as Jacumba and Boulevard on San Diego County’s eastern edge. These areas have long been problematic, posing challenges for both agents on patrol and the thousands of illegal aliens who passed through these well-known crossing sites during the previous administration.
Under the last administration, construction of the border wall was halted, leaving significant gaps that now require attention. Bayon emphasized the renewed efforts to close these gaps, highlighting the administration’s focus on tightening security measures.
Morale among Border Patrol agents has notably improved since President Donald Trump took office. Bayon expressed enthusiasm about the positive changes, stating that agents now have the authority and support to perform their duties effectively. The shift in policy has been met with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose among those tasked with securing the nation’s borders.
Illegal border crossings have significantly decreased since the new administration took charge. Bayon noted a dramatic drop in apprehensions in the San Diego sector, with numbers falling from approximately a thousand per day to about a hundred. This decline is a testament to the effectiveness of the administration’s border security measures.
The emphasis on a smart border wall represents a strategic and innovative approach to addressing illegal immigration. By integrating advanced technology into border security efforts, the administration aims to create a more secure and efficient system that protects the nation’s borders while optimizing resources.
The completion of the southwest border wall, including all associated technology, is seen as a critical step in ensuring national security. The administration’s commitment to this initiative reflects a broader strategy to address the challenges of illegal immigration and enhance the effectiveness of border control measures.
As efforts to complete the border wall continue, the administration remains focused on leveraging available resources and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve its goals. The smart border wall is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of border security in the United States.
