DHS also quintupled deployments of Border Liaison Officers to work with their Mexican counterparts and began screening southbound rail and vehicle traffic to look for illegal weapons and cash that, when smuggled across the border, help to fuel the cartel violence in Mexico. We increased the size of the Border Patrol to more than 20,700 agents today, more than double the size it was in 2004. In March 2009, DHS launched the Southwest Border Initiative to bring unprecedented focus and intensity to Southwest border security, coupled with a smart and effective approach to enforcing immigration laws in the interior of our country. Over the past two years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dedicated historic levels of personnel, technology, and resources to the Southwest border. It also strengthens our resolve to continue to do everything in our power to protect against, mitigate and respond to threats and secure our border. The loss of these brave agents is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of DHS every day. I'd like to begin by recognizing those at the Department who have given their lives in service to our mission. It also extends our zone of security outward, ensuring that our physical border is not the first or last line of defense, but one of many. This layered approach to security reduces our reliance on any single point or program that could be compromised. To do this, CBP has deployed a multi-layered, risk-based approach to enhance the security of our borders while facilitating the flow of lawful people and goods entering the United States. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) efforts to secure our nation's borders.Īs America's frontline border agency, CBP is responsible for securing America's borders against threats, while facilitating legal travel and trade. Chairwoman Miller, Ranking Member Cuellar, and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, it is a pleasure to appear before you today to discuss U.S.