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Current National Threat Level is elevated

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

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Homeland Security Components

More from Homeland Security

Southwest Border Fence

As part of our southwest border security strategy, the Department of Homeland Security is expanding the southwest border fence which is designed to consistently slow, delay and be an obstacle to illegal cross-border activity.

Vehicle and pedestrian fencing are not the only methods used to secure our southwest border. Natural geographic barriers and technological solutions can also be effective deterrents to illegal entry.

View current fencing construction status (PDF, 1 page - 5.2 MB)

Vehicle Vehicular border fencing

Used in more remote areas that can be reached by vehicle

 Pedestrian Pedestrian border fencing

Used in areas where many people cross illegally

 Technology Virtual border fencing

Mixes tower-based integrated cameras and sensors, ground-based radar, mobile surveillance systems, and unmanned aerial systems with traditional border patrols

 Natural Barrier Natural border fencing

Rivers, mountain ranges and other geographic features can provide a natural barrier to illegal entry

Secure Border Initiative

The border fence is just one part of the Department's Secure Border Initiative to secure our borders and reduce illegal migration. More on the Border Fence

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This page was last reviewed/modified on March 18, 2009.