This paper will provide continued research on the impact the United States Border Patrol (USBP) has had on port and maritime security. Additionally, the history and the inception of the USBP has a long and distinguished history of achievements and with the continued support of present and future administrations they will continue to lead the fight. Terrorism and criminal activity is a trend that has plagued the United States since September 11, 2001. With the incorporation of the Homeland Security Act of 200, Maritime Transportation Act, Safe Port Act, Smart Port Act and Small Vessel strategy the USBP is well equipped and ready to defend the largest and most critical part of the Global Transportation System, maritime operations. …show more content…
On the contrary, a port really is any place or location that a foreigner, immigrant or piece of cargo can make its way into the United States. This can consist of international airports, maritime ports and borders along the norther and southern areas of the United States. Within these ports of origin, you will find a USBP and security element that does nothing but processes these visitors and inspects cargo for safe passage. In addition, these areas can very well fall along a large and complex transportation system that is called the Global Transportation System or Transportation System Sector. This dynamic and critical infrastructure is breached and not properly secured by USBP could have catastrophic impacts on the economy and even the world. This critical element will be reviewed and expanded upon next within this …show more content…
In comparison to ten years ago the influx of cargo and personnel coming through the ports and borders has only increased but somehow the wait times and movement of cargo have only gotten better. With the use of x-ray devices, scanners, infrared cameras, drones, the MEGAPORT initiative and other prescreening type of technology this country will continue to improve on the overall security and safety of its patrons. The issue at hand and devil advocates side is the forces we have at hand must not only use it but have a strong sense of situational awareness and readiness. Far too often complacency can lead the way which leads to a bunch of small red flags turn into a very bad situation that could have been solved and mitigated months prior. Overall, with the continued push for more USBP agents and increased funding the protection of this country and our ports has a very good outlook. Sadly, many ask should we spend this amount of the budget on Homeland Security due to a small group of individuals trying to attack. In a nutshell the answer is yes, or the potential for another USS Cole attack of even worse a 9/11 within a large port is a reality. All in all, USBP has a very large role to play across all facets of the homeland