Protect more than south border

Protect all borders, airports and coastlines, not just the southern border. Effective national security requires that we have fully staffed and funded Coast Guard, Airport Security and Control, FBI, Secret Service, DEA, ICE and all other federal security agencies that protect all borders, coastlines and airports. The last shutdown damaged those agencies. Those agencies need more funding, not less.

Congress still needs to put in additional money to fund anti-drone and advanced surveillance technology at all borders and coastlines to prevent airborne drug or weapons delivery. Anti-drone technology at airports should be funded to prevent more emergency closures and airspace incursions. Ground penetrating radar needs to be funded to detect the many southern border tunnels under the existing and future walls. Additional electronic, human and canine surveillance needs to be funded at border crossings and airports where most of the drugs enter the country. Strict penalties should be enforced against employers who hire illegal aliens.

Immigration anti-fraud technology should be mandated and funded by Congress, including mandatory use of the federal immigration databases.

Margaret Mortz

Spokane Valley