Northern Exposure: Assessing the Evolving Threat Landscape at America's Northern Border

The Homeland Security Committee held a joint hearing on July 1, 2026, to assess the evolving threat landscape at America's northern border with Canada. The discussion focused on border security challenges including vast geography, limited personnel, technology gaps, and policy differences between the U.S. and Canada. Witnesses from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified about efforts to secure the northern border through increased staffing, technology investments, and interagency cooperation. Key procurement-related topics included the allocation of funding from the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act and reconciliation bills to modernize ports of entry, expand surveillance technology, and hire additional agents. The GAO highlighted persistent staffing shortages and the lack of clear performance metrics to assess border security effectiveness. Members also discussed the diversion of CBP personnel from border duties to interior immigration enforcement operations, which has impacted staffing at northern border ports of entry. Several members raised concerns about the use of force by border agents and the impact of immigration enforcement on communities. The hearing included requests for follow-up information on staffing levels, resource allocation, and disciplinary actions related to agent conduct. Overall, the hearing emphasized the need for continued investment in personnel, infrastructure, and technology to address emerging threats and maintain operational control of the northern border.