DHS Cancels Virtual Border Fence Project
After spending more than $1 billion, the Department of Homeland Security is ending a program to build a virtual fence along the Southwest border with Mexico. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano called the project ineffective and too costly and said that it didn't meet the department's current standards for viability.
Napolitano said the Department will instead use lesser-sophisticated equipment that is better tailored to the terrain of the Southwest border.
The virtual fence was first ordered by former Pres. George W. Bush at an estimated cost of $7 billion. But a 53-mile test fence was designed for a section of the Arizona border and cost $1 billion.
Responding to any possible criticism of the decision, DHS notes that the number of border patrol agents along the Southwest border have doubled since the time just before the virtual fence was ordered. Still, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, is critical of the Department's border strategy.
"I continue to have very serious concerns about the Obama administration’s lack of urgency to secure the border," Rep. King said.
Boeing holds the contract for the virtual fence, but the contract expires on Jan. 18.