Part 10/12:
Border Security: Beyond Just a Line
Owens underscores that border security is multifaceted—it's about control at the ports, the air, the sea, and between legal entry points. CBP and the Border Patrol are the last line of defense, tasked not only with stopping illegal entries but also with protecting the nation from threats like terrorists and dangerous drugs.
He advocates for increased personnel—currently around 22,000 agents—highlighting that more manpower, coupled with advanced technology, infrastructure, and innovation like AI, are essential to closing gaps. "The border will never be perfectly secure," Owens admits, "but we must strive for that, continually improving our capabilities."