Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Sarah Mamula - Talk Radio News Service

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that border and immigration security is the responsibility of the federal government.

Napolitano praised President Obama for his efforts to increase border security in the southwest and added that "the Obama Administration has taken it's responsibility seriously."

According to Napolitano, the administration's strategy has been successful by obtaining personnel, resources and the technology required to protect the border.

"Statistics today reflect that this approach is working," assured Napolitano.

Napolitano said the U.S. Border Patrol has increased its numbers from 10,000 to 20,000 agents, more technology is being deployed to detect smugglers and illegal cargo, and businesses that consciously hire illegal immigrants are experiencing a federal crackdown.

In addition to increased cooperation between the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in combating border-related crimes, the 652 miles of fencing requested by Congress is expected to be completed by the end of the 2010.

"It is a very different picture now than it was before," said Napolitano. "For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security is screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments for illegal weapons, drugs, and cash."

According to Napolitano, President Obama has requested an additional $500 million to be allocated towards securing the southwest border and will deploy 1,200 National Guard troops to strengthen the border.

Napolitano announced the beginning of computer system that will interconnect data systems of all state, local and tribal law enforcement entities working along the southwest border with those of the DHS and Department of Justice (DOJ). She also said that an automated license plate recognition system, called Project Road Runner, will also be implemented to target both north and southbound drug trafficking and associated illegal activity.

When questioned about the administration's lawsuit against Arizona's new immigration law and the refusal of the Republicans to agree with Obama's proposed immigration and border security reform, the Homeland Security Secretary refused to comment.