Whats in it for DHS?
As a result of the militarization response to illegal migration, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection is receiving a dramatic increase in funding for new technology, infrastructure, and staffing. It has consistently cited the equation between migration and terrorism to justify these increases. Richard M. Stana, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues at BCBP states, “In our last report on the Southwest Border Strategy in August 2001, we reported that the Border Patrol estimated it would need between 11,700 and 14,000 agents, additional support personnel, and hundreds of millions of dollars in additional technology and infrastructure to fully implement the Southwest Border Strategy However, this estimate was made before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks ” According to DHS budget request information, Border and Transportation Security accounts for roughly 50% of the DHS’ proposed 2004 budget, some $18 billion out of $36.2 billion. This is double the funding that the combined ag
