What does the border enforcement strategy "Prevention through Deterrence" aim to achieve?

The border enforcement strategy "Prevention through Deterrence" aims to reduce illegal crossings by increasing enforcement presence and imposing obstacles along the border. This approach is rooted in the belief that by creating a more formidable barrier to illegal entry, potential crossers will be discouraged from attempting to cross the border unlawfully. This strategy often includes measures such as increased patrols, surveillance technology, and physical barriers, all designed to make unauthorized crossings more difficult and risky. Consequently, the intention is to deter individuals from trying to bypass legal immigration processes, thereby maintaining the integrity of border security.

This method focuses on the proactive aspect of law enforcement—using visible presence and deterrent measures to discourage illegal activity before it occurs, rather than simply responding to incidents after they happen. Through this strategy, officials aim not just to catch individuals crossing illegally but to influence their decision-making process by highlighting the challenges and potential consequences of such actions.