Tucson, AZ–Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson today traveled to Douglas and Tucson, Ariz. where he joined with border security personnel to tour Arizona border operations, received briefings on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to secure the border while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and met with local ranchers and community leaders.
“DHS personnel work every day to keep our nation safe and our border secure. Today I saw firsthand those impressive capabilities, met with the brave men and women working to meet that priority, and also heard from the communities along the border about the challenges they face,” said Secretary Johnson. “While progress has been made, there is more to do and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Arizona towards our common goal of a secure border that facilitates trade and supports local businesses.”
During his visit, Secretary Johnson, joined by U.S. Representative Ron Barber, met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, took an aerial tour of the border, visited the Hedglen Forward Operating Base, and received briefings from CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at the Joint Field Command office in Tucson. While in Douglas, Secretary Johnson and Representative Barber met with Douglas Mayor Danny Ortega, Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller, local landowners and ranchers, local law enforcement and other officials. During the meeting, Secretary Johnson underscored the Department’s commitment to working with local communities to ensure the security of the Southwest border while at the same time working to ensure we effectively and sensibly enforce our nation’s immigration laws.
Under this Administration, DHS has dedicated unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and resources to the Southwest border. In Fiscal Year 13, Border Patrol apprehensions were at historic lows, reflecting fewer individuals attempting to cross the border; and CBP processed more than $2.3 trillion in trade through our nation’s ports of entry.
Yesterday, Secretary Johnson was in Texas where he met with CBP personnel, toured border operations along the Rio Grande River, in the Rio Grande Valley and at the Port of Anzalduas, visited the Port Isabel Detention Center, and met with state and local law enforcement officials.
