Which agency works to secure borders against terrorists and criminals?

The correct agency focused on securing borders against terrorists and criminals is Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s borders while facilitating lawful trade and travel. This agency combines the functions of both border security and customs enforcement, which includes preventing the entry of illegal drugs, weapons, and potential terrorists.

Border Patrol is a specific component of CBP that primarily deals with preventing illegal immigration and apprehending individuals who attempt to cross the border unlawfully. Although Border Patrol is vital in protecting the borders, it works as part of the larger framework of CBP, which encompasses various responsibilities such as managing ports of entry and immigration processing.

Understanding the distinction between these agencies is essential since each has specific roles and responsibilities in national security. Other agencies mentioned, such as the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have broader law enforcement and immigration enforcement duties, respectively, but they do not deal exclusively with border security in the same way that CBP does.