Havre, Mont. — On March 30, 2015, Chief Patrol Agent Christopher N. Richards of the Havre Sector Border Patrol, along with Office of Field Operations Great Falls Area Port Director Daniel Escobedo, travelled to the Montana Capital building in Helena to address Montana Legislators about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection mission in Montana.
Chief Richards discussed the U.S. Border Patrol’s strategic plan and the impact it is having throughout the state. The U.S. Border Patrol prioritizes its mission based on risk. “In order to maximize our efficiency, we gather and analyze information, integrate with our law enforcement partners, and deploy resources to the greatest threat.” said Richards. Using this threefold deployment strategy of information, integration and rapid response allows the Border Patrol to effectively and efficiently attack Transnational Criminal Organizations operating within the state of Montana. Chief Richards also stressed the important role local landowners have in securing our borders.
Area Port Direct Escobedo also spoke to bring light on how the Ports of Entry help in keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the country. He also discussed the large impact that the Ports of Entry have on the Montana economy, through their roll in trade, tourism, and agriculture.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives were invited to attend this presentation and question and answers forum.