Defining a Border Wall System

Physical Barriers, Access Roads, & 21st Century Tech Together Make an “All-of-the-Above” Strategy to Secure our Borders

Republicans support an all-of-the-above strategy to secure our borders. Effective border security requires multiple tools and tactics. To assess the threat landscape in certain areas of responsibility along the border, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts mission analysis of known and anticipated threats to determine capability gaps. In doing so, they have determined the need for a functioning Border Wall System along our southwest border.

But what do we mean by Border Wall System ?

Border Wall System
The Border Wall System is a combination of various types of physical barrier and infrastructure that includes wall or fence, all-weather patrol and access roads, lighting, enforcement cameras, and sensors that incorporate anti-tunnel detection.

• Physical barriers: these are walls or fencing that provide Border Patrol Agents with impedance and denial capability, allowing time for agents to arrive on scene and make an apprehension in the event of a breach. They also act as a deterrent to illegal crossings.
• All-weather patrol and access roads: these roads allow Border Patrol Agents to patrol our border and respond to breaches faster.
• 21st-Century Technology: persistent surveillance and mobile and relocatable technologies serve as an effective force-multiplier by allowing CBP to continuously detect, identify, classify, and track border breaches. These include cameras, sensors, drones, and anti-tunnel detection.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Jurisdiction
CBP is the leading law enforcement agency responsible for border security. With respect to the southwest border, CBP is responsible for securing just under 2,000 miles of rough terrain including desert, mountains, and the winding Rio Grande River. CBP is also tasked with preventing the illegal flow of people and contraband from entering the country, and facilitating lawful trade and travel through over 300 air, land, and sea ports of entry.

Contact: Nicole Hager
202-226-8417