Is it time for a joint border strategy?

State and Federal military forces have been supporting civil authorities for counter-drug operations along the Southwest Border since 1989, well before the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the stand-up of DHS. There is too much history for a small post here. The US government's strategy has shifted from counter-drug to Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) with a broader range of threats to our national interests (arms, human, weapons smuggling are examples). Although the center of gravity is likely the demand for drugs in the U.S. (otherwise, there is no profit for criminals), politics and budget constraints are the two biggest obstacles toward developing a more unified effort between DoD, DHS and the States along the SWB, Caribbean, and Northern border. Arguably, JIATF-South has a model approach or best practice to this challenge and there is much debate if there should be a JIATF-North (a joint-interagency task force).

Yes, but "joint" will be more like us protecting our side of the border while the Federalis smoke weed.

IMHO, Mexico has no vested interest in protecting their border because I would venture a guess that 80% of the illegal traffic is Northward bound. Besides why should they care because those that come north legally or otherwise send a good chunk of change south legally or otherwise. Its a win-win for them to siesta on the job.

If it moves: shoot it. If it doesn't move: shoot it anyways.