Border Security Expo 2026 will bring together leaders across the homeland security enterprise to examine the operational, technological, and policy priorities shaping the nation’s border security strategy. Federal decision-makers, operational commanders, and state and local law enforcement leaders will address issues spanning the full spectrum of the mission—from national policy and acquisition decisions to frontline enforcement along the U.S. border.
Confirmed participants represent leadership from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and state and local law enforcement agencies operating directly in border regions.
Among the confirmed speakers are CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, Border Czar Tom Homan, and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, alongside senior operational and technology leaders responsible for programs spanning border enforcement, air and maritime operations, infrastructure modernization, and emerging security threats.
CBP Leadership to Address the State of the Border
The State of the Border keynote panel discussion will examine the evolving threat environment and the operational realities facing frontline personnel.
The session will feature CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and Chris Holtzer, Executive Director of Operations, who will discuss enforcement priorities, field operations, and modernization investments shaping CBP’s mission across ports of entry, land borders, and air and maritime environments.
Their discussion will highlight how national policy and operational strategy translate into real-world decisions facing the men and women securing the border every day.
State and Local Leaders Bring the Frontline Perspective
Border security strategy is ultimately tested on the ground. A dedicated session will bring forward the frontline perspective from leaders operating directly along the U.S.–Mexico border, where federal policy meets daily operational reality.
Moderated by Manuel Padilla, Jr. of Capital Defense & Associates, the discussion will feature Cochise County, Arizona Sheriff Mark Dannels, whose jurisdiction spans one of the most active sections of the southern border.
Drawing on decades of operational experience, Sheriff Dannels will discuss how transnational criminal organizations adapt their tactics, how local agencies coordinate with federal partners, and what evolving threats mean for officer safety and border community security.
The session will examine how federal strategy, state and local enforcement, and interagency intelligence sharing intersect in real-world operations, offering attendees a clearer understanding of the challenges facing those working closest to the border.
Additional participants will be announced as the program continues to develop.
Technology, Acquisition, and DHS Modernization
Additional sessions will focus on technology delivery, modernization priorities, and acquisition programs shaping the future of homeland security operations.
These discussions will examine how DHS leadership evaluates programs, integrates emerging technologies, and aligns operational capabilities across agencies—issues that directly influence how resources are deployed from headquarters to the field.
The program will also explore how major initiatives are assessed during internal reviews such as the department’s OB3 decision process, where leadership evaluates program alignment, risk, and funding priorities.
- Secure your place on the BSE 2026 floor → [Reserve Your Spot]
- Check availability and placement → [Select your space]
