For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
TUCSON, Ariz.—Today, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske, traveled to Nogales and Tucson, Ariz. to tour border operations and receive briefings on the Department’s efforts to secure the border while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
While in Arizona, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Commissioner Kerlikowske received briefings on Southwest border operations, visited the DeConcini Port of Entry, and met with CBP personnel who work every day to secure our borders while also performing functions that are vital to our economy.
Under this administration, DHS has dedicated historic levels of personnel, technology, and resources to the Southwest border. In Fiscal Year 13, Border Patrol apprehensions were at historic lows, reflecting fewer individuals attempting to cross the border; and CBP processed more than $2.3 trillion in trade through our nation’s ports of entry. Additionally, CBP continues to deploy proven, effective surveillance technology tailored to the operational requirements along the highest trafficked areas of the Southwest Border.
Tomorrow, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Commissioner Kerlikowske will deliver remarks at the 8th Annual Border Security Expo in Phoenix, and meet with state and local officials and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
###