Publication

Maintaining the security of US borders is a fundamental responsibility of the Federal Government. Various border security missions are assigned to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and other Federal agencies that work in cooperation with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The success of their efforts depends on the availability of reliable information on the nature of potential threats to border security. Although the military does not have primary responsibility to secure the borders, the Armed Forces generally provide support to law enforcement and immigration authorities along the southern border.