In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Border Patrol has experienced a tremendous change in its mission. With the formation of a new parent agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Border Patrol has as its priority mission preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. The Border Patrol will continue to advance its traditional mission by preventing illegal aliens, smugglers, narcotics, and other contraband from entering the United States as these measures directly impact the safety and security of the United States. To carry out its missions, the Border Patrol has a clear strategic goal: to establish and maintain operational control of the border of the United States. All of our efforts must be focused on this goal. The Border Patrol's strategy consists of five main objectives: establish substantial probability of apprehending terrorists and their weapons as they attempt to enter illegally between the ports of entry; deter illegal entries through improved enforcement; detect, apprehend, and deter smugglers of humans, drugs, and other contraband; leverage "Smart Border" technology to multiply the effect of enforcement personnel; and reduce crime in border communities and consequently improve quality of life and economic vitality of target areas.
