Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Secure Fence Act

Release Date: October 26, 2006

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010

Earlier today, President Bush signed another important piece of legislation to further secure the homeland and control our borders with the Secure Fence Act. It authorizes the construction of hundreds of miles of additional fencing as well as enabling increased use of cameras, satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles. This Act will help to build upon the substantial progress that has been made at our borders over the past year, including the end of catch and release, increased detention bed space, National Guard deployments, and additional Border Patrol agents, which combined has resulted in a significant deterrent effect for illegal migrants from Mexico and other countries.

Traditional fencing is a core element of SBI, the department's comprehensive border security strategy to integrate fencing with the appropriate balance of tactical infrastructure, advanced technology and Border Patrol at every inch of the border. The first phase of SBInet is already underway and, within months, industry partners expect to build a virtual 28 mile fence at the Arizona border. The hundreds of miles of additional fencing authorized today will compliment our SBInet system, once appropriated by Congress.

Comprehensive immigration reform begins with a secure border and it will help to sustain the significant advancements that have been made by relieving growing pressure on the Border Patrol. We are turning that corner with the Secure Fence Act, and I commend Congress for their efforts.

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This page was last modified on October 26, 2006