The effective management of U.S. borders has become a priority for the U.S. government, as it attempts both to control illegal immigration and to prevent the importation of illegal narcotics. Though most of the focus has been placed on the U.S.-Mexico border, increasing drug traffic and illegal immigration from Canada has led to more surveillance of the northern border as well. The effectiveness of border management has historically been very difficult, as many federal agencies had some jurisdiction in this area. The failure to coordinate and consolidate border operations limited the ability of the government to meet its objectives. However, by the late 1990s, Congress had moved toward a border policy that was supported by increased funding and a stronger management system.

In 1977, a U.S. government interagency team led by the Office of Drug Abuse Policy (ODAP) conducted a comprehensive review...