Date of Conferral

6-21-2024

Date of Award

June 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Dr. Gregory Koehle

Abstract

Securing the border is the United States Government's top priority to keep terrorists, illegal weapons, nuclear weapons, human smuggling, and drug smuggling from entering the United States during the continuous crossing of legitimate international trades and legitimate travelers. The primary purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine layered U.S. border security and analyze the vehicle and pedestrian flow of traffic problems in Laredo, Texas, Port of Entry. Qualitative methodology was used in this study using seven interviews and open-ended questionnaires. This study's theories were the environment criminology theory, which explored and analyzed the criminal act's environment; and the rational choice theory, where the belief that people can make their own decisions or choose their behavior and are motivated by the avoidance of pain and the pursuit of pleasure. The analysis found that being short-staffed, extended overtime work, lack of border policy, and overwhelming traffic volume caused officers to be stressed, compromising the security of the US – Mexico borders and causing traffic problems. The findings of this study allowed the researcher and readers to identify the numerous issues affecting the delays of international trade and commerce and travelers waiting for an extended time, as well as affecting the people of Laredo's lives, health, and business leading to positive social change.

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