OBP006334

Talking Points
Fencing Along the Southwest Border

BACKGOUND

 On April 20, 2007, an email was sent to U.S./Mexico border state and local officials regarding
plans for constructing fencing along the southwest border of U.S. The email also included maps
depicting where, along the southwest border, fencing was being considered.

 Unfortunately, certain language in the email did not adequately represent DHS’ approach to
constructing fencing along the southwest border and, as a result, has raised some concerns and
questions among its recipients as well as southwest border communities and land owners.

 In April, Army Corps of Engineers personnel began calling County Assessors Offices for border
landowner information. This was initiated for fact-gathering purposes only, but may have
prompted some concerns as well.

 On May 4, 2007, CBP Commissioner, Ralph Basham, and DHS Assistant Secretary of
Intergovernmental Programs, Ann Petera, sent a joint letter to recipients of the April 20th email to
clarify its content and the Department of Homeland Security’s approach to the construction of
fencing along the southwest border.

DISCUSSION

 Fencing is an important component of our effort to secure U.S. borders and the U.S. Congress
required construction of fencing along certain portions of the southwest border.

 While, we recognize the potential impact that fencing could have on border communities and
landowners, we are also aware of the impact that illegal cross border activity has on our border
communities and on landowners on the border.

 Gaining control of our borders is something that benefits all of us.

 Taking into account direction from Congress as well as initial analyses conducted by Border Patrol
field staff, U.S. Customs and Border Protection developed a list of potential fencing locations.

 From this information, maps were drafted to serve as a starting point for dialogue with state and
local officials, landowners, and other local stakeholders

 No final decisions have been made on where all of the fencing will be constructed.

 We intend to carry though with Secretary Chertoff’s commitment to construct 370 miles of fencing
along the southwest border by the end of 2008 – but are equally committed to working through
relevant fencing issues and concerns of affected border communities and landowners.

 We feel strongly that, by working together, we can meet our national security goals while also
addressing any issues or concerns affected communities and landowners may have.