Border Security

Border security is the work of controlling what and who crosses into the United States at land borders, ports of entry, airports, and seaports. It covers inspections, patrols, barriers, technology, and efforts to stop the smuggling of drugs and other illegal goods. The Department of Homeland Security and its agencies lead this work, with help from state and local governments.

People usually ask which agencies guard the border, how border agents find smuggled goods such as fentanyl, and how border security fits into the larger mission of homeland security. They also ask how the department is organized and what challenges it faces.