# Border Commissioner Scott: Economic Security as Vital as Physical Borders

In an exclusive interview, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott emphasized that economic security is "just as important to national security as the physical border," highlighting a multifaceted approach to border management that extends beyond traditional enforcement metrics.

Commissioner Scott's remarks come as CBP celebrates a remarkable achievement: 16 consecutive months of zero releases at the southern border, a record-setting streak announced on September 16 by CBP, Border Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security. This unprecedented success reflects a comprehensive strategy that combines physical barriers, advanced technology, and economic security measures to create a truly secure border environment.

The commissioner's focus on economic security addresses a critical dimension often overlooked in border policy debates. Beyond preventing illegal crossings, CBP plays a crucial role in protecting American economic interests by combating counterfeit goods, intercepting drug shipments that fuel addiction crises, and preventing the exploitation of trade systems by foreign adversaries. Scott argues that these economic security functions represent an essential component of national defense in an era of global economic competition.

The administration's border security approach has yielded dramatic results in reducing cartel activities. If CBP maintains its current pace through the final two months of fiscal year 2026, it will demolish the previous record low of approximately 237,000 encounters set in fiscal year 2025. This stands in stark contrast to fiscal year 2024 under the previous administration, which saw more than 1.5 million encounters. The dramatic reduction has taken a substantial bite out of cartel income streams, demonstrating how effective border control directly impacts organized criminal enterprises.

Commissioner Scott's emphasis on economic security reflects a sophisticated understanding of 21st-century border challenges. As global supply chains grow more complex and economic warfare becomes an increasingly common tool of state competitors, the border serves as America's first line of defense not just against physical threats, but against economic undermining. For those who prioritize both national security and economic prosperity, Scott's approach offers a comprehensive vision of border protection that addresses the full spectrum of threats facing the nation.