I need a 300 word discussion post as well as two 200 word responses. Discussion:

I need a 300 word discussion post as well as two 200 word responses.
Discussion: The United States Government is striving to have a “secure” border under the present administration. What would be the consequences/impact to the United States if the border was suddenly made less open and more “secure”? This is a strategic security question and not a political one. What is the role of the Department of Defense in border and coastal security? What is the DOD’s relationship with the Department of Homeland Security as it pertains to border security? Why was there such an increased? (LO2.1 & LO2.2)
Response #1 (Jarom): Secure Border
There are many consequences of having a more secure border. Of the many positives that may occur would be a decrease in illegal immigrant crossings, decrease in human trafficking, decrease in drug smuggling, etc. (DHS, 2020). These reductions alone would incredibly enhance national security. But, there may be some economic impacts that may disrupt cross-border trade (Trinkunas, 2015). But, by thwarting these and more criminal activities, a more secure border would indirectly protect more vulnerable populations and help with human rights activism. Reportedly, physical infrastructure when maintained properly reduces Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manning requirements significantly and saving millions of dollars (DHS, 2020). In Yuma, AZ illegal entries decreased by 87% in FY 19 vs FY 20 due to new physical barriers being installed, additionally decreasing 1,000 entries per month (DHS, 2020). A more secured border with effective barriers in place, reduces apprehensions, the need for CBP manpower, decreased drug smuggling, etc. It is important to note that with securing the physical Mexico/USA border, that there will be an incredible displacement where these issues will find other ways to infiltrate the USA (whether it be through Canada, or the East or West coast). The DoD’s relationship with DHS factors in with things like: surveying and intelligence, infrastructure support, support DHS in the field, and work with training. Yet at the same time the DoD and the DHS share a small sliver of each others mission. The DHS defends the homeland, and the DoD defends the homeland from enemies foreign and domestic via the 7 seas, air, land, cyber, etc. Picture a venn diagram if you will where the DHS and DoD share many similar responsibilities in almost identical but different capacities. But, more specifically, with regard to border security the DoD does assist DHS from time to time via National Guard to support personnel. What are ways that the DoD and DHS can benefit from interagency operations, and how can they be strengthened to counter evolving threats? Have a blessed one! -Jarom Carter References Trinkunas, H. (2015). Fear itself: Why closed borders are bad for America and the world. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/fear-itself-why-closed-borders-are-bad-for-america-and-the-world/ DHS. (2020). The Border Wall System is Deployed, Effective, and Disrupting Criminals and Smugglers. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/10/29/border-wall-system-deployed-effective-and-disrupting-criminals-and-smugglers Response #2 (Cassandra): Greetings, Dr. DiRenzo and Classmates,
Should the border undergo a dramatic shift from openness to stringent security, the resulting economic implications would have a devastating impact, leading to more confusion, frustration, and resentment. Since the 1990s, the Department of Defense has supported civilian agencies in border and coastal security (Government Accountability Office, 2021), enabling law enforcement to focus on the counter drug and transnational criminals. The relationship between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security has been vital in the fight against all foreign and domestic enemies (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2011). Immigration border battles and transnational crimes continue to rise and cannot be managed singlehandedly; that is why DHS and DOD signed a collaborative agreement to utilize their resources to detect, defend, and mitigate illegal activity from entering our borders. However, because of the border crisis, nearly 10,000 National Guard troops were activated (Garamone, 2019) to support the crisis, which goes against the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, involving the United States military in domestic law enforcement activities (Wormuth, 2013). The increase in migrants crossing the border is due to the civil unrest throughout their own various countries.
Department of Homeland Security. (2011). DHS and DOD announce continued partnership in strengthening southwest border security. Garamone, J. (2019). DoD Officials Testify on Military Support to Southwest Border. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1743120/dod-officials-testify-on-military-support-to-southwest-border/ Government Accountability Office (2021) SOUTHWEST BORDER SECURITY: Actions Are Needed to Address the Cost and Readiness Implications of Continued DOD Support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-356.pdf
Wormuth, C. (2013). The U.S. Military’s Border Enforcement Role. https://www.rand.org/blog/2018/11/the-us-militarys-border-enforcement-role.html
Cheers,
– Cas