Offense, Defense, or Just a Big Fence? Why Border Security is a Valid National Security Issue

摘要

This Update examines why a comprehensive approach to solve the myriad of border issues is necessary to fortify our national security efforts. First, the key to understanding border security challenges faced by the United States in 2012 requires an analysis of the current Mexican drug cartels’ operations. The cartels’ activities not only impact Mexico, but they also directly lead to the second area of analysis: an increase in violence near the border that may be crossing over onto U.S. soil. Second, the Update addresses competition to import drugs into the United States as further mixed with cartel operations and violence. Trafficking of drugs, human trafficking, and the influx of thousands of people illegally crossing the border every year is the third issue discussed herein. While the main purpose of this Update is to highlight why the federal government must address overall border security issues and their implicit national security overtones, it concludes with a brief discussion of proposals that could make a difference on the border.