CUELLAR LEGISLATION CALLS FOR FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN ON PLACEMENT OF CBP OFFICERS, COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jul 5, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Jose Borjon,
Legislation was included in the 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to secure and protect the U.S.-Mexico border from increasing border violence associated with transnational criminal organizations, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that calls for a five–year plan on staffing and deployment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and asks the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance their relationship with state, local, federal and foreign law enforcement agencies to better prepare for security threats on the border. The legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 231 to 188.
“As we work to secure our southwest border, we must have a clear plan of where we can strategically place CBP officers by taking into account areas of increased apprehensions,” Congressman Cuellar said.
The legislation calls for CBP to submit a report on a five–year staffing and deployment plan by Border Patrol and directs CBP to take into account levels of border crossings and apprehensions by CBP officers to strategically determine where to best place federal officers and agents. The legislation also asks DHS to coordinate activities with state and local law enforcement and to develop training programs designed to educate, promote, and provide the tools necessary to effectively stay one step ahead of transnational criminal organizations.
“My legislation would also enhance the U.S. Department of Homeland Security relationships with state, local, federal and foreign law enforcement agencies to develop training programs that can help all levels of law enforcement better prepare for threats from cross-border criminal organizations,” Congressman Cuellar said.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
