DHS Makes Cuts in Border Security Operation

AUSTIN- Governor Abbott is demanding answers again from the Department of Homeland Security. He said he’s concerned about cuts to a border security operation.

An operation dedicated to border security from the sky is getting fewer resources than in years past. A letter signed by Governor Abbott and Congressman Henry Cuellar asks DHS why they are cutting funding.

The letter states that for calendar year 2016, DHS requested 3,850 hours of “persistent aerial detection, situational awareness and monitoring capability” from the Department of Defense. That’s about 50 percent lower than years past, according to the letter.

Abbott and Cuellar said given the recent increase of people crossing the border from Central America and Cuba, DHS should request more surveillance and security resources, not fewer.

Governor Abbott sent another letter in September, asking for more aerial support along the border. DHS apparently never responded to that letter.

Abbott and Cuellar are asking for the metrics DHS used to determine that the reduction in aerial assets would not harm border security. They’re also asking for details on how the reduction will impact staffing and resource allocation in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in Laredo and Tucson.

Link: Abbott and Cuellar's Letter to DHS

http://www.krgv.com/story/31114009/dhs-makes-cuts-in-border-security-operation