Are Physical Barriers the Most Effective Way to Reduce Unlawful Migration? A DHS Audit Says Yes.

Members of the Texas Army National Guard extend razor wire to inhibit migrants from crossing, as seen from Ciudad Juárez. (Credit: Reuters)

An internal audit from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) showed that border barriers are the most effective means to curb illegal immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a report by the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI).

IRLI said it obtained this internal audit through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The audit focused on determining the most effective measures to address illegal immigration at the border and concluded that physical barriers were not only the most efficient but also the most cost-effective option in every area along the Southwest border examined.