Part 7/12:
A central theme of the interview is the tension between law enforcement realities and political messaging. Owens laments the restrictions on discussing threats like terrorism and drug trafficking openly, attributing that to "optics" and the desire of administrations to craft palatable narratives. He advocates for objective, data-driven enforcement—using technology and infrastructure to detect and interdict threats more effectively.
He points out that technology is a critical force multiplier, enabling persistent surveillance via cameras and AI, which can significantly improve detection and response times. Owens advocates for strategic infrastructure—optimized barriers, roads, and vegetation clearing—that give agents more opportunities to intercept smugglers and criminals.