While telling the American people that national security is a priority in his administration, President Barack Obama submitted a 2011 budget proposal that includes cuts to U.S. border security.
The proposed budget cuts include a reduction in Border Patrol agents and a cut in the amount of money allocated for the so-called "virtual fence" on the U.S.-Mexico border, which critics claim is a pipe dream in lieu of a real border fence
In the midst of a firestorm over Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano's failure to appear before a Congressional committee hearing, officials from her office confirmed the proposed cuts on Monday. They said, however, that there would be no lay-offs of Border Patrol agents and the reduction in positions would be achieved through attrition as agents retire or transfer to other Homeland Security departments.
In order to ward off vocal condemnation of this latest Obama proposal, White House officials claim the cuts won't reduce the effectiveness of the U.S. Border Patrol, which President George W. Bush doubled in size. At it's apex, there were more than 20,000 agents assigned to northern and southern borders.
This latest White House attempt to reduce the amount of resources allocated for border protection will undoubtedly be met with resistance from the Senate and House of Representatives, who will be vote on proposed budget cuts, according to several national security experts.
"The Republicans are expected to kick up a fuss over this latest effort to minimize the protection of U.S. borders. But, this is an election year and Democrats do not want to appear weak on security, especially when control of both houses of Congress is at stake," said former NYPD detective and Marine intelligence officer Sid Frances.
"Look at it this way: New York City has a police department that numbers well over 40,000 officers and another 10,000 civilian employees, yet the U.S. Border Patrol agents, who are responsible for thousands and thousands of miles of border, number only 20,000. And Obama wants to cut that number," said Frances, now the owner of a private security firm.
Obama's proposed budget cut also would eliminate $226 million that had been allocated for an electronic "virtual fence" system along the border. Known as "SBInet," the strategy is to install cameras, radar and sensors to detect humans and contraband coming into the U.S..
Obama White House officials told reporters that even though the President is seeking cuts in border programs, the administration is seeking an additional $10 million to create Border Enforcement Security Task Forces in Honolulu, San Francisco, and Massena, N.Y.
These multi-agency teams work to identify and stop criminal organizations that transport drugs and other contraband across U.S. borders.
"This is only the beginning," said political strategist Mike Baker. "There will be more cuts made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement since President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others have been critical of agents going after illegal workers. This budget is going to be all smoke and mirrors."
Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he's a columnist for The Examiner (examiner.com) and New Media Alliance (thenma.org). In addition, he's a blogger for the Cheyenne, Wyoming Fox News Radio affiliate KGAB (www.kgab.com). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.
He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He's a news writer and columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. Kouri appears regularly as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Fox News Channel, Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, etc.
To subscribe to Kouri's newsletter write to COPmagazine@aol.com and write "Subscription" on the subject line.
Comments
the virtual fence is an actual failure and reduction of border patrol agents in inaccurate
Let me get this straight. We don't have money for border security, but we do have money to help illegal aliens get jobs, homes, health care, schooling, food stamps, and any number of "freebies." Nowhere but the good old USA!
Re caption under picture - During the Ramos and Compean mess the Head of the Border Patrol trstified under oath that drug apprehensions were not the job of the Border Patrol. Wish they would get their stories straight.
Yea but I bet they will still have the unconstitutional BP check points on I-8.So they can harass Amerian Citizens
the virtual fence is working don't believe everything you hear from the Obama admin or the liberal media. These illegal’s are costing us millions and who suffers, we the Tax payers. Many will lose their jobs with these cuts and not just on the agent’s side.
Surrender has been declared at the border. Prepare for millions of drug running, head cutting, acid dissolving, face sewing cartel neighbors coming to your town soon.
Does anyone believe Barry Soetoro will last 3 more years after this first disasterous year? One more terrorist success and he's done. Eventually even the Dems will call for his head.
Where is Joe Wilson when you need him?
I AM WITH JUNE ON THIS ?? HOW COME ALL BENEFITS FOR ILLEGALS AND IMMIGRANTS NEVER GET CUT ON THEIR BUDGETS ANYTIME??ITS ALWAYS POLICE? FIREMEN? LIBRARY? GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICES?WHAT ILLEGALS HAVE AN IRONCLAD CONTRACT THAT SAYS WE CANT REDUCE OR CUTOUT THEIR FREEBIES AND FUNDINGS?? JUST AN AMERICAN TAXPAYER>>>>>>
they should take the i-10 border check point and close it so they cant harrass u.s. citizens any more and put some more security up north were people can smuggle in helicopters and no law is seen up in canadian border instead of hard working citizens getting stopped for no reason down in tucson
Remember 9-11. Is it worth the risk of yet another attack to this country? Look at the foiled attempt to the NYC subway system.... Don't forget the United flight during 12-25? We need agents. We need our strength back.
The US used to be the most coveted place to live in the world...Now...we are getting closer and closer to being just like some of the other third world countries out there...That is just sad...This present president is leading us to the drain and the American people are letting it happen...
They don't want to secure the border. One has to wonder if they aren't profiting from the drug trade - letting the thugs do all the dirty work. Meanwhile, the borders are just killing grounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c1n4gGnVnY
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!