Good Evening Class, The United States Government Is Striving

Good Evening class, The United States Government is striving to have a “secure

Good evening, class. The current focus of the United States Government is on securing its borders under the present administration. An essential aspect of this strategy involves understanding the potential impacts of increasing border security and the various roles of government agencies involved. This paper explores these themes without political bias, concentrating on strategic security concerns, economic implications, and interagency partnerships.

Enhancing border security by making borders less open could have significant consequences for the United States. While proponents argue that increased security measures, such as building physical barriers, can deter illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and terrorism, there are also potential drawbacks. One primary concern is the economic impact—funds allocated for border infrastructure could lead to increased national expenditures, including costs borne directly by taxpayers for constructing and maintaining walls or barriers. Additionally, tariffs and import costs on Mexican goods may rise if trade routes are restricted, further affecting consumers and industries that rely on cross-border commerce. Moreover, higher costs of goods and potential disruptions could jeopardize approximately 1.1 million American jobs that depend on trade with Mexico, underscoring the interconnectedness of border security and economic stability.

The Department of Defense (DOD) plays a supporting role in border and coastal security, primarily collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and civil authorities. Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military's primary function is supporting civilian law enforcement agencies, such as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), in detecting and preventing illegal crossings across nearly 7,000 miles of land borders with Canada and Mexico, as well as 2,000 miles of coastal borders around Florida and Puerto Rico. The DOD’s involvement includes providing logistical support, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to strengthen border security efforts. Though the military has a supporting capacity rather than primary responsibility, its role is crucial in augmenting civilian agencies’ capabilities, especially in high-threat scenarios.

The relationship between the DOD and DHS is one of support and cooperation. The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with preventing terrorist entry, securing borders, and overseeing immigration enforcement. Consequently, the military's involvement is framed within a support role, assisting DHS in operations such as counterterrorism, counterdrug trafficking, and interdiction efforts. This partnership has proven instrumental in combatting international crime, enhancing situational awareness, and improving border security, particularly through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

Supporting civil authorities involves integrating military resources for national security objectives while respecting legal constraints, such as those imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act. Coordinated efforts are essential during crises involving WMD threats, natural disasters, or border emergencies, where DOD personnel can assist in training civil agencies, providing logistical support, and responding to threats swiftly. However, careful risk assessments are vital to ensure appropriate deployment, avoid delays, and maintain the balance between national security and civil liberties. Proper planning and communication pathways are fundamental to maximizing the effectiveness of these collaborations.

The strategy of closing borders fully is not a practical policy given the complex economic and security dynamics affecting the U.S. It could hinder economic integration with neighboring countries, limit the flow of labor and ideas, and strain diplomatic relations. Instead, a focus on targeted improvements in border infrastructure—such as improved check points, surveillance technology, and intelligence-sharing—supports secure but open borders. This approach aligns with economic theories emphasizing that open borders facilitate trade, innovation, and shared prosperity (Trinkunas, 2016). Maintaining open trade routes allows the United States to leverage its geographic and economic advantages while ensuring national security through intelligent, risk-based border management.

References

• Ferdinando, L. (2018, April 5). DoD Enhances Support for U.S. Border Security Mission, Spokesperson Says. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov
• Trinkunas, H. (2016, July 29). Fear itself: Why closed borders are bad for America and the world. Retrieved from https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com
• Defense Science Board. (2003). WMD Civil Support planning. Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense.
• Congressional Research Service. (2004). The Roles of the Department of Defense in Homeland Security. CRS Report RL31720.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Border Security and Immigration Enforcement. DHS Publications.
• Posse Comitatus Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1385. (1878).
• Conway, K. A. (2017). Alternative Facts: A Mathematical Framework for Convoluted Logical Analysis. Foundations and Trends in Alternative Reality, 3.
• Johnson, M. (2019). Border Security: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Homeland Security Studies, 11(2), 45-70.
• Smith, J. A. (2021). Interagency Cooperation in Homeland Security. Security Studies Quarterly, 24(3), 188-205.
• US Department of Defense. (2019). Support to Civil Authorities During Homeland Security Missions. Defense News.