This morning, Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) facilitated a video conference between federal and local officials to continue dialogue regarding the proposed border fence and address the lack of outreach to local citizens and officials. 

The meeting included top-ranking officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Chief David Aguilar of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and SBINet Executive Director Greg Giddens.  Staff members of Rep. Cuellar, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Sen. John Cornyn, local leaders and elected officials also participated, including Webb County Judge Danny Valdez, Dennis Nixon of International Bank of Commerce, and Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas.

During the video conference, CBP and DHS officials agreed to engage local communities in an outreach campaign and said they will continue communicating with border leaders before any action on the proposed fence is taken. Officials also explained that the proposed fence location was drafted before SBINet measures were implemented and that DHS officials will monitor the results of a pilot program in Ariz. to determine if these security measures are good for the entire U.S.-Mexico Border. Rep. Cuellar said he will also coordinate a visit to study the pilot program in Ariz., with the intention of determining the feasibility of a similar project along the Texas-Mexico Border.

“We will look to find the best options to increase border security, including the possibility of SBINet technology,” said Rep. Cuellar. “The SBINet technology-- including air surveillance, cameras, ground sensors and ground radars-- would help minimize the number of miles of fencing along our borders.”

Chief Aguilar welcomed town hall meetings along the border as a part of the CBP outreach initiative.  “I will work to bring SBINet Executive Director, Border Patrol Chiefs, border mayors, county judges and other officials who are stationed along the Texas-Mexico border to Laredo for a border town hall meeting in the near future,” said Cuellar.

“Two people who will become major players in how we secure our borders will be Chief David Aguilar and Greg Giddens. In addition, we need to involve our Border Patrol Chiefs because they are the ones in the trenches and protecting our borders,” said Cuellar.

DHS representatives stated that their top priority along the international border in Texas is not building a fence, but cooperating with local citizens and representatives to improve border security and efficiency.  Rep. Cuellar has long been an advocate for such communication as well as for clearing the banks of the Rio Grande.

“I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the need to maintain an open line of communication with citizens in border communities, and I want to thank everyone for working to have such a positive meeting regarding border security,” said Cuellar.  “I will continue to advocate for efficient and beneficial solutions at the border in Texas, utilizing the best combination of technology, infrastructure and construction to secure our border.”

“My goal is to facilitate communication and progress between local citizens and the federal government.  By helping to address the local needs with federal solutions, we will truly be on track to bring about progress at the border,” said Cuellar.
 

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.
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