Port Security

Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Roundtable with Law Enforcement and Private Sector Partners on Port Security

February 1, 2010 - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today met with federal, state and local law enforcement officials and private sector stakeholders in South Florida to discuss port security, including passenger and cargo screening procedures.

“Effective homeland security requires vigilance at all points of entry to our country—air, land and sea,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By strengthening partnerships between the private sector and federal, state and local law enforcement to increase information-sharing and establish better screening practices, we can continue to enhance the security of our nation’s ports and the American people.”

During her meetings, Secretary Napolitano emphasized the importance of strengthening passenger and cargo screening procedures at our nation’s ports—and her commitment to building effective relationships between law enforcement officials and private industry to ensure safety and security while facilitating legitimate flows of trade and commerce.

Secretary Napolitano also highlighted her recent announcement that U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin enforcement of the “10+2” rule, which significantly increases the scope and accuracy of critical information gathered on shipments of cargo arriving by sea into the United States and bolsters DHS’ layered enforcement strategy to protect against terrorism and other crimes at U.S. ports of entry.