Border Security Policies Pose National Security Risk

(The Center Square) – Arizona’s border port authorities issued a joint resolution Monday emphasizing the need for border security to sustain economic growth in the region. 

The resolution came from the Douglas International Port Authority, the Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority, and the Greater Yuma Port Authority, with specific ideas during their Board of Directors joint session in Tucson.

The group is asking for a “pilot program to promote local hiring of sworn officers” and other staff at ports of entry, as well as asking Customs and Border Protection to “streamline” its recruitment process, according to the resolution.

In addition, infrastructure is a priority for the group. They are calling on the federal government to “create a priority funding program” for projects along the border in order to foster “safe and efficient operation” at ports of entry.

Arizona’s border port authorities are joining a chorus of voices that are pressuring the federal government to take more stringent action at the border. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive to close some lanes at ports of entry to enable more CBP authorities to assist Border Patrol efforts.

Jaime Chamberlain, chairman of the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, wrote in a letter on Sept. 15 to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that the lower-than-needed presence at certain posts from federal authorities is a national security risk. (Excerpt from The Center Square.)