The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 to protect the nation from various threats, including terrorism, natural disasters, and cyberattacks. However, the DHS has been heavily criticized for failing to secure the US-Mexico border, which is considered one of the most porous borders in the world. Despite spending billions of dollars on border security, there are still thousands of undocumented immigrants and drugs that make their way into the country every year.
So, why has the DHS failed in its primary responsibility of securing the border? One of the main reasons is a lack of effective policies. The agency has implemented a plethora of policies, but many of them have been ineffective. The construction of a border wall has been a controversial policy that has faced numerous legal challenges. Even if the wall were to be completed, it would not address the root causes of illegal immigration, such as poverty and violence in Central America. Moreover, the DHS has not invested enough in technology and personnel to monitor the border effectively.
Another significant reason for the DHS’s failure is a lack of cooperation with other agencies. Border security requires a coordinated effort from various agencies, and the DHS has not always worked together effectively with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). For example, ICE has been criticized for separating families at the border, which has led to public outcry and legal challenges. This kind of controversy distracts from the agency’s main mission and undermines public trust in the DHS.
In conclusion, the DHS must develop comprehensive policies that address the root causes of illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The agency must invest in technology and personnel to monitor the border effectively and work closely with other agencies to ensure a coordinated effort in securing the border. Only then can the DHS fulfill its mission of keeping the nation safe from harm.