Keynote Session: The New Border Patrol Strategy

Michael Fisher, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Understanding a risk-based analysis that targets resources to the greatest border threats: how will this be implemented?
• Strategies to work better with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to identify top enforcement priorities
• How to draw on the full range of enforcement responses to maximize the overall effectiveness of DHS’ border enforcement

Keynote Session: Focusing Attention and Resources on the US-Mexico Border

Congressman Silvestre Reyes, 16th District of Texas, U.S. House of Representatives

• Securing America by combining needed changes in immigration laws with additional resources and personnel to staff the border and ports of entry
• Improving the flow of people and lawful commerce, protecting border communities and improving the health of border residents
• Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012

Sheriffs Panel Discussion: Tackling Gang Violence Before it Hits the U.S.

Moderator: Sigi Gonzalez, Sheriff, Zapata County, TX and former Chairman, Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition

Rich Stanek, Sheriff, Hennepin County, MN

• Strategies to effectively combat rising illegal entry and drug smuggling at the local level
• How we are providing tactical support law enforcement battling violence on the border
• Deterrence measures – how, when and where it’s appropriate

Southwest Border Violence and the Potential for Spillover

Rick Van Schoik, Director, North American Center for Transborder Studies

• Examination of the Southwest border region and the illicit drug trade between the U.S. and Mexico
• Relationship between illicit drug markets and violence
• What types of violence may arise? When violence may appear? Where violence may occur?

Human Trafficking on the Border

Peter Minarik, Ph.D, Regional Director, Western Regional Office, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

• Forced labor and sexual exploitation: the realities of human trafficking
• How fear of deportation fuels modern slavery in America
• Understanding the additional pressure human trafficking puts on border security

The Changing Role of the Military in Border Security Operations

Bert Tussing, Director, Homeland Defense and Security, U.S. Army War College

• National Guard deployment and strategy
• What is the U.S. military involvement in domestic security
• Pros and cons of military involvement in border issues

Keynote Session: Addressing the Evolving Border Threat for Air, Land and Sea

Maj Gen Michael Kostelnik, USAF (Ret), Assistant Commissioner, Office of Air and Marine, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Understanding a risk-based analysis that targets resources to the greatest border threats: How will this be implemented?
• Strategies to work better with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to identify top enforcement priorities
• Outlook of Air and Marine project needs and requirements

Keynote Session: Investing in Proven Technologies: Integrated Fixed Towers and Mobile Surveillance Systems

Stephen Pitotti, Executive Director, Acquisition Policy and Oversight, U.S.

• Utilizing advanced technology to augment agent ability to patrol the border
• Increasing technology to apply a sustainment approach and increase situational awareness
• Acquiring fully-integrated, non-developmental systems

Customs and Border Protection Biometrics Panel Discussion: Biometrics and Border Management

Moderator: Michael Stone, Biometrics and Identity Management, USNORTHCOM

Biometrics stakeholders from various government programs discuss border security efforts, challenges, future needs and what they are looking for from industry. This interactive session will examine the growth of biometrics applications in identity management and criminal identification.

Maritime Readiness along U.S. Borders

Captain Anthony Lloyd, Commanding Officer, National Maritime Center, U.S. Coast Guard

• Maritime surveillance challenges
• Policies and procedures for securing the waters along the borders
• Opportunities for partnerships and the pat forward

Border Security Deployment Program

Bill Kalin, Management Consultant, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• An analysis of surveillance tools used for ports of entry and border patrol
• Acquiring fully-integrated, non-developmental systems for use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• What is the potential for IFT systems?

Joint Integrated Operations and Intelligence Sharing

Matthew Addington, SAC/Director, El Paso Intelligence Center

• Joint capability needs and requirements
• Eliminating the primary flow of illicit drugs and other narco-terrorist threats
• Bringing partners into a wider network of law enforcement