HAI tells ANN that open sections of
the US-Canadian border present major security vulnerabilities for
the United States, increasing the chance that individuals could
smuggle radioactive materials into the country without being
detected (according to what government investigators told Congress,
September 27).
Senators demanded to know how much more personnel and technology
the Homeland Security Department needs to secure the nation's
border with Canada, after government investigators were able to
sneak into the United States undetected on multiple occasions while
simulating the smuggling of radioactive materials.
At the Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senators expressed
outrage over the GAO findings. On three different occasions, GAO
investigators probed apparently unmonitored and unmanned sections
of the northern border, finding that they could sneak from Canada
into the United States undetected even while carrying a red duffel
bag to simulate the smuggling of radioactive materials or other
contraband. The GAO concluded that Customs and Border Protection,
part of the Homeland Security Department (DHS), faces major
challenges along the northern border.
Helicopter Association International
(HAI) has learned the GAO observed a large presence of law
enforcement personnel and Army National Guard troops in one state,
as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, along the Mexican border. The
report does not specify the state, but it is likely Arizona, where
DHS is initiating the first phase of the SBInet program. The Sbinet
program is intended to build a virtual fence along the border using
technology and infrastructure, but has been delayed due to
technical glitches. Further, the GAO has concluded "that more human
capital and technological capabilities are needed to effectively
protect the northern border."
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