Facebook Twitter Email
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002

America's borders remain poorly protected and are vulnerable to terrorists, Homeland security czar Tom Ridge said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters from The Washington Post, Ridge said there is no accountability for the various agencies who are supposed to protect the borders. The Customs Service, the INS, the Coast Guard and the Border Patrol are some of the agencies involved.

Tribal law enforcement authorities often work with the agencies but President Bush's new budget includes no additional funds for border protection at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Department of Justice has committed a small amount of funds to bolster the tribes on the Canadian and Mexican borders.

Get the Story:
U.S. Borders Remain Vulnerable Despite New Measures, Ridge Says (The Washington Post 2/12)

Related Stories:
Text: John Ashcroft at Tribal Conference (1/18)
Border conference attracts tribes (1/17)
White House mocks BIA budget request (1/17)