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Southwest Border Fencing / Vehicle Barrier Update

September 27, 2007

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Southwest Border Fencing Goal (Through
2008)

 Secretary Chertoff has committed that DHS will build a total of 370 miles of fence along
the southwest border by the end of CY 2008.

 By the end of FY 2007, DHS plans to have a total of 145 miles of fencing completed
along the southwest border. By the end of CY 2008, an additional 225 miles will be
built, for a total of 370 miles.

Prioritizing Fence Investments

 Operational assessments by the local Border Patrol Agents and Chiefs – based on illegal
cross-border activity and the Border Patrol’s extensive field experience – identified multiple
locations where fencing or vehicle barriers would most effectively enhance border security.

 These assessments recommended a total of roughly 370 miles of fencing along the southwest
border’s 2,000 miles and provided a starting point for determining where fence will be built.

 Four main factors contribute to fence location decisions: (1) the initial Border Patrol
operational assessments; (2) engineering assessments, which include the cost to construct; (3)
environmental assessments; and (4) input from stakeholders. Each of these steps is a
standard element of the planning process that enables us to make informed decisions in
deploying the right mix of tactical infrastructure.

Ongoing Community Outreach

 Since May 2007, DHS has engaged in extensive discussions about the placement of the
remaining 225 miles of fencing with state and local stakeholders, including landowners, to
ensure that our investments effectively balance border security with the diverse needs of
those that live in border communities. As part of these outreach efforts, DHS has contacted
almost 600 different landowners, held 18 town hall meetings, and held 4 environmental
Public Scoping Sessions.

 Some of the lands proposed for fencing beginning in FY 2008 are public lands, and the
appropriate environmental studies and land use discussions with the relevant public agencies
are underway.

 Other sections of the border proposed for fencing are privately owned. For such properties,
we are now beginning to move to the next phase in our decision-making process: starting
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environmental and engineering assessments for privately held lands. To perform these
assessments, Border Patrol Agents and Army Corps of Engineers real estate specialists will
ask private landowners for a Right of Entry for Survey and Site Assessment (ROE-S). The
ROE-S will provide the government with access to gather more detailed information to make
informed decisions in deploying tactical infrastructure. It does not grant the government the
right to start construction.

Communicating Continuously Regarding the Path Ahead

 DHS strives for a transparent and consultative process as we move forward with the
additional 225 miles of fence construction.

 We will provide private landowners and public land managers and appropriate elected
officials with additional information and materials. These materials include: (1) detailed
maps that identify the areas on public or private land where we are considering fence
construction; (2) pictures of possible fence designs; and (3) the ROE-S as described above.

 Some areas identified on initial planning maps may not end up with fence. DHS and the
Army Corps of Engineers will continue to work with landowners to reach agreement on
access and land valuation issues as these assessments are conducted.

 In a few limited cases, we have made more substantial progress. There are five locations
where we are nearly ready to award fence design and construction task orders. These task
orders cover a total of approximately 20.5 miles at locations in Arizona and New Mexico.
These fence segments will be constructed on public lands or within the Roosevelt
Reservation, and coordination with these landowners for access and staging areas has been
completed.

 We will keep you informed as we continue to move forward and make further decisions on
fence locations.

Fencing as Part of the Broader Strategy to Secure U.S. Borders

 Fencing is but one element of DHS’s layered defense plan to gain control of our nation’s
borders. Our comprehensive plan includes additional, substantial investments in technology,
infrastructure and enforcement personnel.

 Fencing and technology are complementary tools. Technology allows the Border Patrol to
identify and track illegal activity. Fencing gives Border Patrol agents time they need to
respond to illegal cross border activity. A combination of technology and tactical
infrastructure best allows Border Patrol to do their job safely and effectively.

 DHS will deploy the right mix of technology, tactical infrastructure, and personnel to secure
each mile of the border as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Vehicle Barriers

 At the end of FY 2007, DHS will have approximately 110 miles of vehicle barriers along the
southwest border. The goal of the DHS has been to construct a total of 200 miles of vehicle
barriers by the end of CY 2008.

 On 10 Aug 07, the Administration announced its intention to increase this goal to a total of
300 miles completed by the end of CY 2008.