Articles
The Mission: Protect America. IDGA Exclusive with Chief Fisher, CBP
The recent decision to close nine border patrol stations rested squarely on the shoulders of Michael Fisher, Chief of the U.S Customs & Border Patrol. Speaking exclusively with IDGA, Chief Fisher revealed the decision ‘had to do with our ability to take finite resources and apply them against the greatest risks’. Fisher leads the more than 21,000 men and women of the CBP into a new era, under the new national border strategy ‘The Mission: Protect America”. This interview examines the strategy, the main impacts and challenges on CBP agents and officials, and also highlights how CBP is taking a ‘future-orientated’ approach to border security. Read below for all this and more…
Best of the BEST: ICE Teams Thwarting Transnational Crime
ICE is responsible for maintaining lawful trade and travel and monitoring the physical and virtual pathways that carry money and commodities into the United States. This interview with Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale, explores the threats that transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) pose, and how ICE serves to thwart illegal activity before it enters the country. Read on…
‘Mission Critical Communication’: General Dynamics G4 Systems
Manny Mora, Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development & Integration, General Dynamics C4 Systems with IDGA – examining the latest developments and partnerships within the DHS and CBP for border security. This discussion makes mention of the Integrated Fixed Towers project (IFT), Rescue 21, and Mr Mora explains what it means to ‘check your backyard first’ with regards to new projects and capabilities. Read more…
Infographic: Where Biometrics Meets the Border
‘Where Biometrics Meets the Border' features a condensed history of how biometrics and other border management initiatives have been used as a tool for identification and protection within the US and abroad. The infographic also highlights various case studies from the local, state and federal agencies who use biometrics at airports, on the border and at sea on a daily basis for national security. Click to view.
Big Ben Sector: Battling the TCO’s
Ahead of the Border Management Conference & Technology Summit, IDGA’s @DefenseInsider, Chris Archer, spoke briefly with keynote speaker, John Smietana Jr, Chief Patrol Agent, Big Bend Sector to discuss the main threats in the region and what challenges are faced in battling the threat of Transnational Criminal Organizations. Read on…
-
Maritime: How Do We Stop Piracy? Working Together to Stop the Flow of Commerce
Rear Admiral Terry McKnight, USN (ret), Navy and Homeland Security Programs discusses the importance of collaboration to stopping piracy and protecting the US border from disrupting imports, violence at sea, and people trafficking . In this IDGA exclusive interview Rear Admiral McKnight also explains the importance of the free flow of commerce between nations and how lessons learned from piracy operations abroad can be applied to the US/Canadian border to prevent piracy and terrorist activity.
Read on…
-
The ‘New Space Policy’ Achieving Global Maritime Awareness
It’s more important than ever to be informed regarding the Maritime Community’s priorities. Our security as a nation hinges on keeping up to date on the threats that exist and the solutions that are being pursued. This interview features, Guy Thomas, Science and Technology Advisor, from the US Coast Guard. IDGA investigates the current affairs of global maritime awareness and provides a status update on the interagency implementation plan for the new National Space Policy.
Read on…
-
Biometrics: Biometrics Proves One Percent Unsuitable Guests in US (FBI Insights)
Through biometrics applications the FBI has determined that about 1% of people who seek visa to visit the US as tourists have previously done things that do not make them suitable guests. This interview with James Loudermilk, Senior Level Technologist, FBI Science and Technology Brand examines the modern day applications of biometrics for homeland and border security and Mr. Loudermilk also discusses the latest advancements in biometric modalities, including greater search reliability and selectivity. Additionally he comments on issues of privacy and civil liberties, and comments on what can be learned from international biometrics projects including India’s UID scheme.
Read on…
- Examining the Homeland Security Information Network
IDGA’s @DefenseInsider Chris Archer discusses the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) with Ray Ragone, Manager of Outreach and Mission Integration, HSIN, Department of Homeland Security. The interview explores the mission of the portal to improve interoperability between all levels of government across the nation. We also examine the value of a system that enables secure, real-time collaboration for the sharing of information. Read on…
- Game On: New simulator models border security architectures gaming technology may help administrators avoid another 'virtual fence' fiasco
Government scientists at Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, Calif., have designed a unique simulation and analysis program meant to aid policy — and decision — makers about border security strategies and investments.
- Smarter security on the Northern Border: DHS on current and emerging threats
DHS’ Special Agent Bradford Bench examines the key priorities of the US’ northern border in this IDGA exclusive interview. Bench highlights the constant evolution of border security by highlighting the ways in which the ‘BEST’ program manages DTO’s, TCO’s and the illegal export of weapons. Read on for all this and more…
- From Enforcement to Economics: How the threats to Border Management Have Evolved
This interview features Professor Bert Tussing, Director, Homeland Defense and Security Issues, at the Center for Strategic Leadership Army War College. In Part one of this interview, IDGA’s @DefenseInsider, Chris Archer, explores the current state of affairs with regards to border management. This includes a focus on the various events that have exposed weaknesses in border defense, including renewed fears in light of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
- Returning the Badges to the Border: Assessing Border Security
This interview features Professor Bert Tussing, Director, Homeland Defense and Security Issues, at the Center for Strategic Leadership Army War College. Part Two of this interview with IDGA’s @DefenseInsider Chris Archer, explores the main differences between border security and border defense. We also ask what initiatives are being applied within the DOD currently to support the Department of Homeland Security and primary agencies.
- Combating Transnational Drug Trafficking
Drug Trafficking across U.S. borders is one of the most pressing issues facing the border community. In this IDGA exclusive, @DefenseInsider Chris Archer tackles some of these issues with Chris Isham, Director Plans & Policy, JIATF West. The following interview investigates many of the current challenges facing JIATF West, and highlights what’s being done to combat transnational organized crime within the Oceania Region.
- Trojan Horse
Cargo Security International Magazine recently published an article written by IDGA’s @DefenseInsider Chris Archer. To be published in the Oct/Nov online and print editions of the magazine, the article looks at the issues that will be discussed at the IDGA’s Border Management Conference & Technology Expo. ABSTRACT: The United States has 361 sea ports which act as vital links to the nation’s transport and trade network. Each port also represents a vulnerable target. Considering the amount of shipping containers that come into America’s ports, one single, obscure container, hidden among a ship’s cargo of several hundred just like it, could conceal dangerous cargo, a veritable ‘Trojan Horse’.