The Border Security Expo held each year in San Antonio, Texas, gives public and private sector officials the opportunity to discuss emerging threats and trends in the border security mission space. Key officials across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are invited to discuss both current and future challenges their agencies face relating to border security. The event also provides vendors a space to showcase their latest security solutions to address agency needs. CT Strategies team members attended the event to gather insight on the many challenges facing the Border Security industry and to reconnect with former colleagues in U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This year’s theme for the Border Security Expo was “New and Emerging Border Challenges and Opportunities through Technology, Partnership, and Innovation”. Opening the conference this year was Ronald D. Vitiello, the Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Other speakers this year included: Thomas Winkowski, Former Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); Monte Hawkins, Director of the National Vetting Center; Derek N. Benner, Executive Associate Director of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); John P. Sanders, Chief Operating Officer, CBP; and many more. The speakers discussed the role of public and private sectors as it comes to securing U.S. borders.
Participating technology vendors showcased various products including: access control systems, armored vehicles, biometric solutions, scanning systems, and surveillance solutions. These included: Airbus, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Perceptics among many others.
The Border Security Expo is proudly sponsored by the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Commerce & Security Council. The Border Patrol Foundation honors the memory of fallen U.S. Border Patrol agents and provide support and resources to their families.
