NCJ Number
208256
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 10 Dated: November 2004 Pages: 14-16,18,20
Date Published
November 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the challenges facing border security efforts on tribal lands.
Abstract
Tribal lands make up over 260 miles of international boundaries and contain miles of highways and critical infrastructure such as military assets and public utilities. Resources are scarce for protecting these borders; tribal leaders have complained that the Homeland Security Act failed to recognize the sovereignty of Native American tribes, thus denying them access to Federal funds. A number of bills are in committee that would amend homeland security policies toward Native American tribes. Despite tight budgets, tribal police departments are expected to carry out homeland security duties in addition to their usual workload. In addition to problems with staffing and budget, homeland security on tribal lands faces other obstacles. Many native tribes straddle the border of the United States and Mexico and pass freely between countries to conduct business and tend to family matters. Homeland security efforts could thus hamper native life. While these obstacles are burdensome, tribes are making homeland security preparations and training staff for their additional duties with the assistance of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA), a volunteer organization of tribal leaders and representatives.