Senate advances plans for Northern Border Coordination Center

Legislation by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) – Northern Border Coordination Act (S. 2291) – advanced through the chamber this week, putting their ideas for expanding coordination on northern border security into the hands of the House.

If passed, the bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a Northern Border Coordination Center within the U.S. Border Patrol Northern Border Coordination Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This came in addition to the $3 million Peters secured in March to establish the center’s operations at Selfridge.

“The Northern Border Coordination Center will ensure that the Department of Homeland Security remains focused on the unique security needs of our nation’s Northern Border in addition to their other critical national security missions,” Peters said.“Along with the funding I secured to launch the center earlier this year, this legislation will further cement the center’s role in coordinating border security efforts, supporting personnel training, and conducting testing for new border security technologies. Most importantly, the center builds on the vital role that Selfridge Air National Guard Base plays in protecting our nation and will help support the base’s success in the future.”

The center is meant to improve coordination both within DHS and with partners in state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other key stakeholders. It would share space with the Border Patrol’s sector headquarters, an Air and Marine Operations Branch, a U.S. Coast Guard air station, and more.

It would also serve as a training and testing ground for personnel and technology for use along the border. In addition, it could support counter-drone operations along the whole border with Canada.

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