Border Security and Drug Trafficking - 3286 Words

Border Security Introduction. The problem of drugs coming over into the United States from Mexico is not new, but it is serious and in spite of many efforts by American law enforcement and border authorities, it continues day after day. This paper reviews the problem from several perspectives and brings to light attempts the U.S. has made to stop drug trafficking on our border with Mexico. The biggest issue regarding border security is the power of the drug cartels, and the majority of emphasis in this paper is directed towards the cartels. Brief History of Smuggling Across the Border from Mexico Author Peter Andreas explains that a wide range of smuggling practices has been part of the cross-border economic exchange since the nineteenth century, and hence the present-day smuggling of drugs across the border into the United States is not at all a new phenomenon (Andreas, 2012, p. 29). In fact Andreas explains that the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico †¦was founded on smuggling, and today (as drugs move from south to north) things are opposite of what they were two hundred or so years ago when the smuggling went from north to south (Andreas, 29). The author notes that in 1821, about two-thirds of foreign goods that entered the country avoided / evaded customs duties (termed contraband). When the Mexican-American War ended in 1848, smuggling from Texas increased sharply, Andreas explains on page 30. In fact the U.S. became aShow MoreRelatedThe United Statesstrategy For Combating Drug Trafficking Across Their Shared Border1521 Words   |  7 Pagescombat drug trafficking across their shared border. The State Department’s current position on the situation is to to support continued cooperation with Mexico and collaborate on strategies to increase security and create policy measures that strengthen the rule of law. The State Department divides the United States’ strategy for combatting drug trafficking into four strategies: targeting cartels and their operations, aiding the Mexican government in their efforts, improving border security to efficientlyRead MoreChallenges Of Transnational Organized Crime1260 Words   |  6 PagesSoutheast Asian states. By comparing to traditional security paradigm threats, this essay will argue that in order for states to combat transnational organised crime, they must consider and use traditional and non-traditional means. First, this essay will present the security paradigm of traditional security. In this section, this essay will discuss the points of, the focus traditional security has on the protection of the state and traditional security threats such as external military forces. SecondlyRead MoreHuman Trafficking : A Serious Crime And A Direct Violation Of Human Rights1138 Words   |  5 PagesIntelligence Question: How human trafficking is currently impacted by increased law enforcement coverage at the southwest border aimed at reducing illegal alien smuggling into the country? Summary: Human trafficking is a serious crime and a direct violation of human rights. It can be defined as an illegal trade of human beings in which they are treated as possessions to be controlled for labor intensive work like slavery, or exploited by being forced into prostitution. Every year, millions of peopleRead MoreStopping The Trafficking Of Drugs Into The Country1263 Words   |  6 PagesStopping the trafficking of drugs into the country is a key part of their overall mission: to protect America. The Border Patrol’s 2012-2016 strategic plan supports the national-level strategies like the National Drug Control Strategy and â€Å"uses a risk-based approach to securing the border†. According to this strategic plan, â€Å"Transnational criminal organizations represent a significant cross-border threat to homeland security†. Outlined in the National Drug Strategy, the border security mission ofRead MoreEvaluation Of The United States1422 Words   |  6 Pagesgovernment organizations inside the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Domestic Nuclear Protection Office, ports are fundamentally more secure now than preceding 9/11 (Maritime Journal, 2011). Lastly, since 9/11, the Port Security Grant Program has received approximately $2.6 billion in supportRead MoreIllegal Immigrants and Border Security Essay1232 Words   |  5 PagesTable of Contents Current Situation in the United States 4 Drug Wars: Emphasis in Immigration 4 Human Trafficking 5 Gangs 6 Conclusion 7 Works Cited 7 Current Situation in the United States According to the independent Center for Immigration Studies, in January 2000 there were 7 million illegal aliens living in the United States and the center estimated that number to grow by half a million a year (Peak, 2009, pg. 245). Based on this fact, the reality is that the minority has turn intoRead MoreGlobal Crime Analysis1134 Words   |  5 Pagescrime is an issue that threatens the safety and security of people all over the world. Global crime can be international drug smuggling operations, human trafficking, or international prostitution rings. Weapons trading are also a problem that exists all over the world. There are always concerns of rogue nations selling nuclear weapons to other nations that do not follow the guidelines of the world community. In the international community, human trafficking has become an issue that is spiraling out ofRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1382 Words   |  6 PagesPeople can speculate if the U.S.-Mexican border is t ruly a significant factor for our government’s safety or just there wasting money, time and land. By allowing the government to fund the border many improvements could be made. Border Safety, can create a safer border environment by facing the multiple Issues and Challenges, like illegal Immigration, Drug Enforcement, and cross-border Transportation, and Technological improvements by Homeland security influence the agents, trying to cease theseRead MoreReasons Behind The War On Drugs1365 Words   |  6 Pageselaborate the significant reasons behind the war on drugs between the Mexican government and the drug cartels in Mexico and examine the impact of this conflict on Mexico and on US National Security. Drug Trafficking or any other illegal activity related to drug Cartels and gangs pose an imminent threat to the Mexican governance because of the corruption and the violence they generate. Illegal drugs affect not only Mexico but also the U.S in terms of trafficking and con sumption. The Mexican government hasRead MoreIllegal Immigrants : Illegal Immigration906 Words   |  4 PagesTexas Border Security is a pressing issue within Texas. Every year, thousands of illegal immigrants cross the border in an attempt to have a better life. No one has issues with legal immigration, but to illegally trespass into this country tends to upset many people. This issue of border security has become more prevalent with the upcoming election Illegal immigration is causing job loss to legal residents of the state because illegal immigrants are doing labor cheaper. Also, there is major drug and