A recent NBC news story about 600 migrants with suspected ties to Venezuelan gangs entering the U.S. highlights the growing security challenges at the southern border. This report follows alarming data showing that 151 individuals on the FBI's terrorist watchlist were detained attempting to enter the U.S. through the same border last year. These developments paint a stark picture: while the U.S. must address humanitarian needs, ensuring the security of our borders is paramount to preventing bad actors from entering the U.S. with nefarious intent. I would argue that failing to strike the right balance could expose the nation to significant risks, from organized crime to terrorism.
A Vulnerable Border: A Gateway for Criminal Networks
The U.S. Southern Border has long been a focal point for both legal/illegal immigration, but bad actors increasingly exploit it. Organized crime networks, like the gang-linked Venezuelans recently identified, take advantage of inconsistent border policies that wildly straw from administration to administration via policy through executive order (EO). In recent years, the surge in those claiming asylum or illegally entering the U.S. via the southern border has not only overwhelmed immigration systems but also created gaps through which dangerous individuals can enter undetected. With criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and potential terrorist activity, weak border security poses an immediate and tangible threat to public safety.
It is not only criminal gangs but also terrorist groups that see an opportunity in porous borders. Last year’s record of 151 individuals on the terrorist watchlist intercepted at the southern border exemplifies the growing threats faced by the nation. These individuals intended to enter the U.S. unnoticed, using the humanitarian chaos at the border to their advantage. While border patrol agents succeeded in intercepting these threats, one cannot ignore the possibility that others slipped through undetected.
The Political Divide and Its Consequences
Immigration policy shifts under successive administrations have swung between strict enforcement and more lenient, humanitarian-focused approaches. While stricter policies may deter illegal entry, they have also faced criticism for human rights violations. On the other hand, policies with a more open-border approach, though rooted in compassion, have inadvertently attracted more migrants and created security gaps. The political polarization surrounding immigration leaves the U.S. without a stable, long-term border strategy, further complicating the security situation.
As the Biden administration reversed several restrictive policies, including the Remain in Mexico policy (MPP) and Title 42 expulsions, migrant encounters surged to unprecedented levels. While these shifts aimed to correct human rights concerns, they also fueled perceptions that the border was open, sending a signal to both migrants and criminal organizations alike. One could argue that without bipartisan cooperation, policies continue to oscillate between enforcement and leniency, making it difficult to address both humanitarian and security needs effectively.
Addressing Human Rights While Securing Borders
Border security is not incompatible with respecting human rights. The U.S. can and must protect those fleeing persecution while also ensuring that individuals with criminal intentions do not gain entry. Thorough vetting processes are essential to differentiate between legitimate asylum seekers and those seeking to exploit the system. Implementing advanced surveillance technology and improving coordination among federal agencies can enhance security without compromising humanitarian values.
The complexity of managing the border means policies must do more than stop illegal crossings while also addressing the root causes of migration, such as political instability and economic hardship in neighboring countries. Through regional cooperation and targeted development efforts, the U.S. can reduce the pressure on its border while ensuring that migration is managed in an orderly, humane way.
The Dual Threat: Organized Crime and Terrorism
Notably, the U.S. Southern Border is not just an immigration issue; it is a national security concern. Criminal networks and terrorists are increasingly targeting vulnerable entry points. Although asylum processes are vital, they must not serve as loopholes for those with malicious intent. Advanced border technologies, such as biometric screening, combined with more coordinated intelligence sharing and innovation with integrating AI and drone surveillance technology, can help identify and intercept threats at the earliest stages.
Furthermore, I would argue that the failure to secure the border risks emboldening adversaries who see the U.S. as divided and distracted. Organized crime thrives in environments where policies are unclear or inconsistently enforced, as evidenced by the recent infiltration of Venezuelan gang members. The presence of individuals on the terrorist watchlist, combined with the surge in illegal crossings, demands immediate action.
A Call for Balanced Solutions
One could argue that the security of the U.S. depends on more than just walls and fences and requires thoughtful, well-coordinated policies that balance enforcement with compassion. Leaders must move beyond partisan battles to develop sustainable immigration reforms that address both the humanitarian and security dimensions of border management. Regional cooperation, targeted development initiatives that increase border agents, and improved vetting processes are essential to achieving these goals. America's strength lies not only in its ability to protect its borders but also in its capacity to uphold human dignity. A secure border does not mean turning away those in need, it means having the systems in-place to welcome legal immigration/migration securely and responsibly. Anything less puts the nation at risk of exploitation by those who see chaos as an opportunity.
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