October 2, 2007

Crossing U.S. Border as Easy as a Stroll

New Security Report Says Border Security Still Lacking

A congressional investigator easily crosses the U.S.-Canadian border. A new reports says border security still has gaping holes, six years after Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. (ABC News)

The Government Accountability Office, the congressional watchdog group, will release a scathing report on border security today.

"In three out of four locations on the U.S.-Canada border, investigators crossed into the United States from Canada … to simulate the cross-border movement of radioactive materials," states the report.

Video shows a congressional investigator strolling into the United States from Canada along the 5,000-mile border, far from any manned checkpoints. He carries a red bag, which was designed to look like the components of a bomb or even a nuclear device.

Even so, he was able to enter the United States without any questions because no one was there to stop him.

The scene was repeated with another investigator, who walked unchallenged across the U.S.-Mexican border.

"The borders are as porous as they've ever been and I don't see any resolution to making the borders more secure anytime soon," said security expert and ABC News consultant Jerry Hauer, a former emergency management official.

Congressional Feedback

Senators are expected to express their outrage at the findings this morning. Democrats and Republicans agree the situation is unacceptable. "It's shamefully easy for anybody to cross our borders," said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.

"Six years after Sept. 11, we just need to be better at guarding our borders," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

Meanwhile, homeland security officials said they have been trying to improve border security, including hiring more agents and upgrading technology.