Border Security? Or lack there of…

I’d like to preface this article but first stating that I am an immigrant myself. I came to the US with my family in the late 80s because the two countries we were from were in a civil war. The two countries were Lebanon and Liberia. At the time we were living in Liberia and that’s when Charles Taylor started his civil war in Liberia, hundreds of thousands of Liberian citizens were killed during that civil war. 

We came to the US as war refugees. We were allowed to enter the US through my father’s job at the time. His regional manager managed to get us all visas within hours. We boarded a plane and came straight the US and landed in December in Boston. Imagine an 8-year-old, who was used to the African heat landing in Boston in Mid-December! 

The reason I bring this up is that we had to work very hard to earn our US citizenship. My father worked very hard to show that he was a productive member of society. We never took food stamps, or any sort of welfare. It was rough living at first but like the American Dream, you work hard, and you can achieve almost anything. I became a US Citizen after I came home from serving in the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. 

So now that I have provided a quick intro into how my family arrived, let’s talk about what’s going on today. 

Over the past several years we have seen, as a nation, a substantial influx of migrants coming to the US from the Southern Border. The northern border is heavily wooded and vast. The United States (U.S.) – Canada border is the longest in the world, spanning 5,525 miles (8,891 km) across 13 U.S. states and eight Canadian Provinces/Territories. The border between Mexico and the US is a mere 1900 miles. The southern border gets a lot of attention.

Attention to the Southern Border

One primary reason for the heightened focus on the southern border relates to the urgent socio-political issues it presents. The southern border is often associated with illegal immigration, gang violence, and drug trafficking, which have significant implications for national security and public safety. The portrayal of the southern border in media and political discourse often emphasizes crisis narratives that prompt calls for increased security measures, such as the construction of barriers and increased funding for border enforcement. 

The southern border of the United States receives significant attention for several reasons, as highlighted in the document and broader discussions on border security:

• High Levels of Unauthorized Migration: The southern border is a primary entry point for unauthorized migrants seeking to enter the U.S. Many individuals from Central America and Mexico attempt to cross this border, leading to ongoing debates about immigration policy and enforcement.

• Security Concerns: The southern border is often associated with various security threats, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and potential terrorist activities. The perception that the border is a vulnerable point for illegal activities has heightened the focus on securing it.

• Political and Social Implications: Immigration from the southern border has become a contentious political issue in the U.S., influencing elections and policy debates. The visibility of border crossings and the humanitarian crises associated with them, such as family separations and migrant deaths, have drawn public and media attention.

• Economic Factors: The economic implications of migration, including labor market impacts and the costs associated with border enforcement and immigration services, contribute to the focus on the southern border. Policymakers often grapple with balancing economic needs with security concerns.

• Media Coverage: The southern border frequently features in news reports, especially during times of crisis, such as surges in migrant crossings or humanitarian emergencies. This media attention amplifies public awareness and concern about border issues.

• Policy Responses: The U.S. government has implemented various policies aimed at controlling and securing the southern border, including increased funding for border security, the construction of barriers, and the deployment of law enforcement resources. These actions often lead to further scrutiny and discussion about their effectiveness and consequences.

Potential Issues of Neglecting the Northern Border

Since the Southern Border gets so much attention, what does that do to our northern border? Paying less attention to the northern border not only compromises national security but also poses risks to public safety and economic stability. For instance, a perception of security at the northern border may lead to an increase in illicit activities, including drug trafficking and potential terrorist threats.

In the context of U.S. border security, I read a paper by Hansen and Papademetriou (see reference below) which underscores the critical importance of addressing the northern border alongside the southern border. While the southern border often dominates public discourse and policy focus due to high levels of unauthorized migration and associated security concerns, the northern border presents its own unique challenges that cannot be overlooked.

• Security Vulnerabilities: One of the primary concerns regarding the neglect of the northern border is the potential for security vulnerabilities. Some argue that a lack of attention to this border could create opportunities for individuals engaged in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, to exploit gaps in enforcement. The perception that the northern border is less fortified may encourage criminal networks to shift their operations northward, thereby increasing the risk of illicit activities crossing into the U.S.

• Policy Imbalance: The authors also highlight the risk of policy imbalance that arises from an overemphasis on the southern border. This focus can lead to disproportionate resource allocation, where funding and enforcement efforts are heavily concentrated in the south, leaving the northern border inadequately monitored. Such an imbalance not only compromises national security but also undermines the effectiveness of border management as a whole. A comprehensive approach that equally prioritizes both borders is essential for maintaining a secure and efficient border policy.

• Evolving Migration Patterns: Additionally, the paper points out that migration patterns are not static; they evolve in response to changing conditions. By concentrating solely on the southern border, policymakers may fail to recognize that migrants may seek alternative routes, including through the northern border, to enter the U.S. This shift in migration routes necessitates a proactive and adaptable border management strategy that can respond to emerging trends and challenges.

• International Relations and Cooperation: The implications of ignoring the northern border extend beyond national security to international relations, particularly with Canada. The U.S. and Canada share the longest international border in the world, and effective management of this border is crucial for both countries. Some emphasize that neglecting the northern border could strain diplomatic relations, as both nations must collaborate to address shared security and immigration challenges. A cooperative approach is essential for fostering trust and ensuring that both countries can effectively manage their borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

By recognizing the unique challenges posed by the northern border, policymakers can develop a more balanced and effective border security strategy. This approach not only enhances national security but also strengthens international cooperation and addresses the complexities of modern migration patterns. A comprehensive border management policy that encompasses both borders is essential for safeguarding the interests of the United States while promoting stability and security in the region.

When 9/11 happened, there were changes in policy with regards to the northern border. The post-9/11 significantly influenced US border policies towards Canada in several ways:

• Increased Security Measures: Following the terrorist attacks, there was a dramatic increase in the number of border agents deployed to the northern border. The US Congress pushed to triple the number of border agents, and national guard troops were sent to assist with patrols and inspections at border ports of entry. New surveillance technologies, including night-vision cameras and satellite tracking systems, were introduced to monitor unauthorized entries more effectively.

• Perception of Canada as a Security Threat: The perception of Canada shifted from being a benign neighbor to a potential security threat. This change was fueled by media narratives and political discourse that highlighted vulnerabilities in Canadian border security, particularly regarding asylum laws and immigration controls. For instance, US officials suggested that Canada’s “soft laws” on political asylum could be exploited by terrorists.

• Politicization of Border Control: The US-Canada border, previously characterized by low-intensity and low-profile controls, became highly politicized. The openness of the border, once a source of pride, turned into a source of anxiety, leading to increased scrutiny and a more militarized approach to border security. This shift mirrored the characteristics of US-Mexico border relations, where security concerns had long been a focal point.

• Economic Impacts: The heightened security measures resulted in significant disruptions to cross-border trade and travel. For example, delays at border crossings increased dramatically, affecting the flow of goods and services, particularly in industries reliant on just-in-time delivery, such as the automotive sector. The economic costs of these disruptions were felt more acutely by Canada, which is heavily dependent on trade with the US.

• Legislative Changes in Canada: In response to US pressures and the changing security landscape, Canada implemented its own security measures, including the introduction of tougher immigration controls and the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel to border areas. Canadian officials sought to balance the need for enhanced security with the importance of maintaining national sovereignty.

Overall, the post-9/11 context led to a transformation in US-Canada border policies, characterized by increased militarization, heightened scrutiny, and a shift in the perception of Canada from a partner to a potential security risk.

The differences between the northern and southern borders reflect varied cultural, geographical, and security issues, the disparity in attention raises significant concerns about national safety and operational sovereignty. It is critical to balance resources and policy initiatives to ensure both borders are adequately monitored and addressed.

One thing we need to remember or never forget is that our enemies know our vulnerabilities. If you don’t think they watch us close, then you are sorely mistaken. 

[Editor’s Note: the original in-text citations included by the author were removed to improve readability and flow–see references]

References

Hansen, R., & Papademetriou, D. G. (2014). *Securing borders: The intended, unintended, and perverse consequences*. Washington, DC: Migration Policy Institute. 

National Commission on Terrorist Attacks. (2004). *The 9/11 Commission Report*. Government Printing Office.

Andreas, P. (2005). The Mexicanization of the US-Canada border: Asymmetric interdependence in a changing security context. International Journal, Spring 2005, 449-460.

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Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Africa and Lebanon before immigrating to the United States in 1988. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Ayman enlisted in the Army and deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he conducted over 20,000 miles of combat patrols and military missions. His proficiency in Arabic allowed him to effectively coordinate and collaborate with various Army units.

In October 2007, Ayman began his law enforcement career as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, initially serving with the MBTA Transit Police Department. In 2011, he transferred to the Attleboro Police Department, where he has held multiple roles, including uniform patrol officer, detective, and DEA task force officer. He has also served as a DEA SRT Operator and assistant team leader, as well as a Metro-SWAT Operator, and he remains an active member of the SWAT team.

Throughout his career, Ayman has led and participated in numerous complex investigations, successfully capturing and prosecuting high-level criminals. In November 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and currently serves as a Patrol Division Sergeant on the day shift.

Ayman is a writer for The Havok Journal, where he has published over 100 articles covering topics such as law enforcement issues, his military experiences in Iraq, and the challenges of PTSD within the law enforcement community. His work has also appeared in The Epoch Times. Recently, he was featured on BBC Arabic to share his insights and experiences in Iraq.

Additionally, Ayman has published a book titled *The Resolute Path* and founded Project Sapient, a podcast, training, and consulting company.

Follow Project Sapient on Instagram, YouTube, and all podcast platforms for engaging content. Feel free to email Ayman at ayman@projectsapient.com.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.