The border between U.S. and Mexico has always been a topic of conversation. For many years, the main idea was to build walls and fences and improve technology, however a new strategy is coming forward.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that the entire southern border wall will be painted black. Former President Donald Trump requested this and therefore the decision was made. According to Noem, this strategy is to make it more difficult to climb and to also extend the lifespan of the structure.
Why Paint the Wall Black?
The idea might sound silly but is actually turning out to be pretty smart. During the summer months, the area gets extremely hot. It is known that black paint absorbs heat way more than the lighter colours and this means that the steel at the border will become extremely hot during the day.
This will then make it more difficult to climb during peak heat as the structure will be too hot to touch. In addition to this, the black paint will also protect the metal structure from rust and in turn result in a longer life span of the structure. This assists in saving costs for repairs.
Funding and Construction Progress
The project is being supported by new funding recently approved by Congress. Those resources are helping speed up construction, with crews now completing nearly half a mile of wall every day.
A Smarter Approach to Security
Apart from the visual and physical appearance of the border, the government is also moving on to new technologies and surveillance. This includes the use of cameras, drones and sensors to monitor activity.
The idea is simple: use technology to spot activity early and then send agents where they’re actually needed. By doing this, resources are not wasted in areas where not much activity is happening and actual target areas can be seen to.
Agents Say They’re Seeing Results
Many border patrols agents have noted that they are seeing results. Agents are feeling more confident in carrying out their missions, as there is stronger enforcement, visual deterrents such as the black wall as well as support from leaders.
Supporters and Opponents
There are many supporters of this who note that painting the wall black is practical and also has symbolism. Yes, it improves the durability of the border but it also sends out a message of toughness. Homeland Security officials describe it as a reminder that the U.S. will enforce its laws and protect its borders.
With that being said, there are also opponents. They note that the physical appearance won’t address the underlying issues of migration. Some also mention that it poses a risk for migrants on hot days, especially for children who may come into contact with it.
Securing the Future
Secretary Noem highlighted that the administration is working on the northern border with Canada to improve infrastructure for coastal security.
Conclusion
Painting the border black might not a typical solution that first comes to mind when thinking about strengthening the border. However, it is more than just a physical change, it represents a smart strategy. This method will make the wall hotter resulting in it becoming more difficult to climb. In addition to this, it also improves the durability of the structure. All in all, the government aims to mitigate illegal citizens from coming into the country.
Technology is also improving and Homeland Security are hopeful that it would continue to get better as the current strategies prove to be effective. For now, the black wall is both a physical barrier and a symbol of America’s changing border policy.