Border Security Council Report - Office of the Governor - Rick Perry

Appendix C: Public Hearing and Open Meeting Minutes
Discussion of the border wall –The discussion of the wall is a federal responsibility, so there is no
reason for this Council to get involved. Though border security is also a federal issue, Governor
Perry has gone above and beyond by trying to make progress at the state level.
Mr. Garcia says it is a learning experience to serve on the Council and to learn how these issues
are approached and how there is buy-in from the locals. Though it’s not our problem, it is our
responsibility and we need to ensure that the state and federal officials have the appropriate
“Bed-side manner”.
Sheriff O’Connor wants to ensure that the Council is transparent and accurate and reiterates that
there should be footnotes and citations.
Mr. McLaughlin wants to ensure that there is a standard for reporting requirements.
Chairman Cascos asked Steve McCraw to discuss use of money for border operations, including
southbound inspections. Mr. McLaughlin agrees that southbound inspections is a key element
of border security. He is interested in tying a certain percentage of funding to southbound
enforcement. The Council determines that it is important to have southbound monitoring 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. The Council asks that additional language be included in the report to
recommend expanding inspections to all ports of entry.
Chairman Cascos reiterates that local jurisdictions need to take responsibility as well and should
not rely on state funding. Funds may not always be available at the state level, and the locals need
to budget for this as well.
Chairman Cascos discusses the use of K9 units as a new recommendation. Sheriff Herrera states
that their office uses canines and they work, but they aren’t limited to use on the ports of entry.
Sheriff O’Connor wants to ensure that the operations occur not just at the ports of entry, but also
at high impact corridors.
Sheriff Herrera discusses the use of overtime funding and asks Steve McCraw to try to continue
looking for ways to provide funding to local law enforcement officials.
Mr. McLaughlin asks about the use of technology and what restrictions there might be on revenue
used for that purpose. Steve McCraw explained that a restriction would include participation in
ongoing operations to receive money for technology.
Mr. Polunksky asks that the report be presented to Governor Perry in a formal meeting as his
availability allows.
Motion by Secretary Wilson, 2nd by Sheriff Herrera to integrate all comments and add footnotes
and citations for each relevant section. Staff will integrate all comments and citations and send
back to Council for approval.
Secretary Wilson thanks the BSC members for their work and commitment to public service.
IV. Chairman Cascos asks to place voting on the March 2008 minutes on the agenda. Minutes approved.
(Motion by Garcia, 2nd by Holt).
V. Meeting adjourned at 12:12 pm (Motion by Herrera, 2nd by Holt).