New legislation to strengthen northern border security

New federal legislation has been introduced to bolster security at the United State’s northern border.

Congressman Pete Stauber is introducing the legislation with New York Congressman Nick Langworthy, calling it the Northern Border Staffing and Security Enhancement Act.

The Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit a comprehensive analysis to Congress every five years outlining threats at the northern border, referred to as a Northern Border Threat Analysis.

DHS would also be required to address any staffing challenges at northern ports of entry.

Retirements in the coming years are expected to pose staffing problems at the northern points of entry, with a 400% increase in retirements anticipated in 2028.

“While apprehensions at our southern border have declined to historic lows, persistent challenges at our northern border have prevented similar success,” said Rep. Stauber in a statement. “Too often overlooked, the northern border is understaffed and underresourced, leaving Minnesota and our nation exposed to the risks associated with illegal immigration. This legislation ensures we are taking a data-driven approach to address these shortcomings and strengthen the security of our northern border.”

“I am honored to be the co-lead on this critical legislation to strengthen security along our Northern Border,” said Rep. Langworthy in a statement. “With outdated threat assessments and a looming staffing crisis at our northern ports of entry, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect our communities and our country. The Northern Border hasn’t seen a comprehensive threat analysis since 2017, and our strategy hasn’t been updated in over six years. Meanwhile, the CBP is already facing a shortage of nearly 6,000 officers—and is on track for a 400% retirement surge by 2028. This will leave our most vulnerable and geographically isolated border crossings dangerously understaffed and underprepared. I will continue fighting to ensure our region gets the resources, personnel, and strategic attention it deserves.”

Since 2017, DHS has released one Congressionally-mandated Threat Analysis and has not updated its Northern Border Strategy since 2018, according to Rep. Stauber’s Office.