Who is primarily responsible for protecting the nation's borders?

The federal government holds primary responsibility for protecting the nation's borders due to its authority and resources to manage national security and immigration policies. This responsibility encompasses various agencies, most notably the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agencies are specifically tasked with enforcing laws related to immigration and border security, ensuring that individuals and goods entering the country do so in accordance with U.S. laws.

In contrast, while states may have certain roles in border security, such as collaborating with federal agencies or addressing specific regional issues, they lack the jurisdiction and resources to manage national border policy independently. The military can support border protection efforts, particularly in times of heightened security concerns or natural disasters, but it is not their primary mission to control border security as that falls under federal authority. Lastly, the responsibility of the people is more about civic engagement and compliance with laws rather than actively managing or overseeing border protection efforts.