Objectives, Scope, and Methodology

In addressing our objectives to (1) determine the extent of the threat from drug smuggling and illegal immigration and (2) identify ways to enhance security between the ports of entry, we interviewed intelligence officials responsible for determining the threat from drug smuggling and illegal immigration and reviewed related documentation; reviewed the Sandia study and discussed the study’s findings with its authors and various INS officials responsible for border control; reviewed EPIC, Department of State, and Operation Alliance reports to determine the threat from drug smuggling; visited the San Diego and El Paso Border Patrol sectors and discussed with sector officials their recent border control initiatives; analyzed INS data from its management information systems related to apprehensions and narcotics seizures to obtain additional information on the threat from drug smuggling and illegal immigration along the southwest border; and interviewed INS headquarters officials to determine plans for improving border security. Drug Smuggling and Illegal Immigration Are Serious Threats Along the Southwest Border

		Drug Smuggling

Although the full extent is unknown, drug smuggling is a serious threat along the southwest border. The report stated that in spite of law enforcement agencies’ efforts to counter drug smuggling, the flow of drugs between the ports of entry along the southwest border continued due to vast open areas and a relatively low law enforcement presence. 3). 4). Unless border control efforts become more effective, illegal immigration is expected to increase. Both sectors have begun initiatives that focus on preventing illegal entry rather than on apprehending aliens. Sandia recommended multiple physical barriers to prevent entry; the sector employs agents as a human barrier. These aliens apparently adapted to the prevention strategy by finding new routes into the United States. However, since it will take several years to implement the strategy, it is too early to tell what impact it will eventually have on drug smuggling and illegal immigration along the southwest border. U.S. General Accounting Office P.O.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed U.S. efforts to secure the southwest border, focusing on: (1) the extent to which border security is threatened by drug smuggling and illegal immigration; and (2) ways the United States can enhance security between ports of entry.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) although the full extent of drug smuggling and illegal immigration is unknown, both pose serious security threats along the U.S. southwest border; (2) despite U.S. law enforcement efforts, the flow of cocaine and illegal immigrants continues and is expected to increase; (3) a 1993 study on ways to enhance security along the southwest border between ports of entry recommended that the Border Patrol emphasize entry prevention instead of apprehension, construct physical barriers, and set up additional highway checkpoints to prevent entry; (4) although there is increased interest in a national entry prevention strategy, many officials believe that drug smuggling and illegal immigration activities have merely been rerouted to other southwest border areas where enforcement is less effective; (5) the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) plans to implement a national strategy that focuses on preventing illegal entry; and (6) it is too early to assess what impact the new INS strategy will have on drug smuggling and illegal immigration along the southwest border.