TAMIU Hosts Free Border Security Conference
Criminal justice and law enforcement experts will share their knowledge about border security, terrorism and trafficking and other topics at the upcoming “Border and Homeland Security Conference” sponsored by the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Border Studies Institute (BSI). The Conference is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
Register now by sending an e-mail to bsi@tamiu.edu or by calling the BSI at 956.326.3116.
On-site registration starts at 7:30 a.m. in the SC Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.
Law enforcement officers who attend may earn Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education training hours.
“This conference will focus on various issues related to border and homeland security such as suicide bombings, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, local, state and federal responses to terrorism and terrorism law and cyber terrorism,” said Dr. Claudia E. San Miguel, director, TAMIU criminal justice program, and assistant professor of criminal justice.
“This is our first Conference, but we plan to make this a yearly event,” added Dr. San Miguel.
Congressman Henry Cuéllar (MBA, '82) will address the Conference participants at 9 a.m.
Adjutant General José Mayorga, Texas Military Forces, will provide the 9:30 a.m. address.
Conference speakers include Gene Garza, director, Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Port of Entry; Dr. Jeff Addicott, professor, St. Mary’s University; Dr. Vesna Markovic, director, Sam Houston State University Institute for the Study of Violent Groups; José Ballesteros, agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Michael Wiese, senior supervisory resident agent (SSRA), Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Conference also includes “Emerging Issues in Hometown, Border and Hometown Security,” a panel discussion with Wise; Ballesteros; Dr. Addicott; Dr. Markovic; Martín Cuéllar, Webb County Sheriff; Melitón Rodriguez, assistant special agent in charge, Drug Enforcement Agency; Rob Hunter, Texas Rangers.
This conference is part of a comprehensive program designed to provide the training and expertise required for personnel working to secure the nation’s southern border. Partners include TAMIU, the Texas National Guard, Laredo Community College, and various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The BSI provides training on campus and online (via webinars) to the Texas Military Forces and groups such as local, state and federal law enforcement in border security issues.
For more information, please contact San Miguel at 326.2529 or csanmiguel@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 302J.
University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu