CBP Head Says Cracking Down on Smugglers Is Key in Fighting Terrorism

Reported by: Polo Sandoval
Last Update: 7:16 pm

RIO GRANDE VALLEY - Cracking down on smugglers is key in keeping terrorist cells out of the Valley. That's the word from the head of Customs and Border Protection.

CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin doesn't doubt people with terrorist ties could use the Valley's smuggling underground to enter the United States. Bin Laden's death means the chances of that happening go up.

Bersin wants Valley Border Patrol agents and Customs officers to be on alert. He knows bin Laden's death could trigger another attack.

"There's no question that there's a short-term threat which is that we will see efforts of retaliation mounted by efforts of al-Qaida-connected elements," says Bersin.

Bin Laden's death marks the closure of one chapter and the beginning of another for Bersin. Possible terrorists could use the Valley to enter the United States. Ahmed Muhammad Dhakane proved that isn't impossible. The Somali man was arrested crossing into Brownsville illegally. Prosecutors allege Dhakane was a fighter for an al-Qaida terrorist group.

"If a terrorist were going to bring a weapon of mass destruction right across the border here in South Texas, they would not invent a new smuggling route. They would go to those who have built up smuggling routes for people and for drugs," says Bersin.

Bersin believes terrorists could tap into the Valley's human and drug smuggling routes. They see them as an opportunity.

"Keeping smugglers at bay and preventing them from bringing in illegal aliens will also be in a better position to keep them from contracting with terrorists to bring weapons of mass destruction or the elements of those weapons across the border," says Bersin.

Bersin says the government settled one score with bin Laden. The next mission is to maintain the security and vigilance along the border.

Bersin will be asking for more resources and manpower in the Valley, not only because of this new threat but to help deal with the ongoing war against cartels. He told us to expect to see intensification in illegal activity along the border within the next six to 12 months.

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