U.S. Rep. Ron Barber Releases Evaluation of Border Patrol Strategies, Resources

Congressman Ron Barber released a comprehensive study of Border Patrol strategy to ensure the border is secure. This study confirmed that the risk and need of the Tucson Sector of the Border Patrol is high and we need the best possible strategy moving forward. 

The Government Accountability Office was asked by Congressman Barber to evaluate the security strategy and resources needed by the Border Patrol. GAO analyzed data from fiscal years 2006-2011 and examined the Border Patrols 2012-2016 strategic plan for border security. Evaluators also visited every Border Patrol station on the Southwestern border, interviewed Border Patrol personnel, spoke with ranchers in Rep. Barber’s district and across the Tucson Sector, toured the border, and took stock of resources and infrastructure.   

The study found that the Border Patrol lacks measures to assess risk and need and does not have goals or a timeline to improve security along the Southwestern border. GAO recommended the agency resolve these issues. 

GAO also found that the number of apprehensions across the Southwestern border decreased by 6 percent from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2011. The Department of Homeland Security attributes this to an increase in border security efforts. The GAO found that the decrease is due not only to an increased number of Border Patrol agents but also the addition of National Guard personnel in supporting roles.

Congressman Barber had a strong hand in urging the buildup in the number of agents and the assignment of National Guard troops to the border – first as district director and lead on border issues for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and for the past seven months, as a member of Congress.

While apprehensions decreased, drug seizures increased from 10,321 in fiscal 2006 to 18,898 in fiscal 2011. The Tucson Sector, which encompasses all of the Arizona border with Mexico except for the Yuma area, includes 13 percent of the U.S.-Mexico border – but accounts for about 38 percent of all drug seizures and 37 percent of all apprehensions across the entire Southwestern border.

DHS has agreed to GAO's recommendations to improve its 2012-2016 strategic plan for border security. The agency plans to develop metrics to move toward a risk-management approach instead of the current resources-based approach to target resources where they most are needed. 

Congressman Barber will work with DHS to ensure the new strategy is put in place and reflects the needs and challenges of the Tucson Sector. It is unacceptable that residents still feel unsafe in their homes and in their communities on and near the border. The Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security must work to develop smarter strategies and tactics and a better way to measure border security. We must work together to shift resources to areas like the Tucson Sector which face continuing heavy illegal trafficking of people and drugs.

Later this month, members of Barber’s office will join Border Patrol officials in briefing Southern Arizonans on the findings in the GAO report. A Jan. 28 meeting will be held in Douglas and a meeting the following day will be in Tucson.

WHAT: U.S. Rep. Ron Barber’s office holds briefing on GAO report on Border Patrol operations.

WHEN: 5:30 – 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, 2013

WHERE: City of Douglas Visitor Center, 345 16th St., Douglas

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Constituents interested in attending should RSVP to AZ02.RSVP@mail.house.gov

Media members interested in attending should contact Mark Kimble at mark.kimble@mail.house.gov

WHAT: U.S. Rep. Ron Barber’s office holds briefing on GAO report on Border Patrol operations.

WHEN: 5:30 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013

WHERE: Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 East Irvington Road, Tucson

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Constituents interested in attending should RSVP to AZ02.RSVP@mail.house.gov

Media members interested in attending should contact Mark Kimble at mark.kimble@mail.house.gov