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