Enhancing Border Security: CBP’s New Measures and Strategies

Expanded Operations and Updated Strategies

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented new strategies to counteract the activities of transnational criminal organizations. With a primary focus on securing the border, the agency has intensified its enforcement efforts to tackle illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring national security and safeguarding public safety against pervasive unlawful entities.

Improved Data Sharing and Accountability

In an effort to bolster enforcement, CBP is now authorized to share key data with trusted industry partners when there’s suspicion of imported merchandise violating the law. This enhancement in data sharing aims to increase collaboration, making it easier to track and intercept illegal activities. Moreover, CBP’s commitment to accountability and transparency is underscored by its provision of multiple channels for reporting incidents and timely updates on critical incidents, including those related to deaths and the use of force.

Decline in Recidivism and Enforcement Statistics

One of the significant positive trends observed is the decline in recidivism among migrants entering the Southwest Border illegally. The rate of multiple encounters dropped to 11.8 percent in FY 2023 from 16.6 percent in FY 2022, coinciding with the conclusion of Title 42 in May 2023. This decrease highlights the effectiveness of CBP’s ongoing efforts to manage unlawful crossings.

In operational terms, CBP recorded over 117,900 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border in May 2024, reflecting a 9% decrease from April 2024. Notably, there was an 11% reduction in single adult encounters compared to the previous month. Such data-driven insights are crucial for evaluating and adjusting border management strategies to maintain security and reduce illegal activities.

Advanced Technology and Legal Measures

Fulfilling a Congressional mandate, CBP has also advanced its biometric confirmation capabilities. By implementing facial recognition technology, the agency now streamlines the departure process for in-scope travelers, ensuring accurate identity verification both upon arrival and departure from the United States. Such measures not only enhance the efficiency of border security operations but also uphold the integrity of immigration processes.

Additionally, a notable development came on June 4, 2024, when President Biden announced a Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of noncitizens across the Southern border. This executive action resulted in a 25% decrease in daily encounters between ports of entry. Furthermore, an interim final rule, issued jointly by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, restricted asylum eligibility for those who irregularly enter across the southwest land and southern coastal borders, leading to a 50% decrease in encounters over six weeks. These legal measures represent a robust approach to managing immigration and securing the border.

Humanitarian Efforts and International Cooperation

The U.S. Border Patrol has also reinforced its commitment to humanitarian efforts. Through the Missing Migrant Program, which began in 2017, the patrol aids individuals in distress, locating missing noncitizens, rescuing those in danger, and reuniting the remains of decedents with their families. This program underscores CBP’s dedication to upholding human dignity and providing crucial assistance during emergencies.

International cooperation remains a cornerstone of CBP’s strategy. By collaborating with global partners, the agency aims to disrupt irregular migration patterns and combat transnational criminal organizations more effectively. This international effort involves creating safer, more orderly migration pathways for intending migrants while simultaneously cracking down on smugglers and other criminal elements.