The session will provide a direct view into how federal agencies are responding to current border challenges—from migration flows and transnational criminal activity to coordination across agencies responsible for border security and enforcement.
Bringing together leadership responsible for both strategy and execution, the discussion will examine how operational priorities are being translated into real-world decisions across the border.
New Session to Examine Impact of Cartel FTO Designation
This newly announced session—Cartels Reclassified: Game-Changing Impacts of Foreign Terrorist Designation to U.S. Strategy and Operations—will focus on the implications of the 2025 designation of major cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
Moderated by Mike Braun, and featuring panelists J.T. Stevens, Matthew Allen, and Joe Perez, the session will bring together senior leadership perspectives from across HSI, DEA, and FBI to examine how expanded counterterrorism authorities are being applied in real-world operations.
Topics will include:
- Expanded material-support prosecutions
- Enhanced sanctions and financial disruption
- Broader intelligence-sharing frameworks
- Updated approaches to interdiction and targeting
- The evolving role of military support
The session reflects a broader shift in how agencies approach transnational criminal organizations—introducing new tools and frameworks that are already influencing enforcement and operational strategy.
Modernizing in Motion: Delivering Technology at Scale
Alongside policy and enforcement changes, DHS is undergoing a parallel transformation in how technology is delivered and deployed.
The session Modernizing in Motion: How DHS CIOs Deliver Secure Technology at Scale will examine how agencies are adapting to:
- Accelerated development and procurement cycles
- Increased federal investment
- The need to deploy capabilities alongside ongoing operations
- Integration across legacy systems and emerging platforms
CIO leadership from across DHS components will address how agencies are balancing speed, security, and mission continuity in an increasingly complex environment.
Where Strategy Meets the Field
These shifts are not theoretical—they directly impact how border security is executed on the ground.
From expanded counterterrorism authorities to real-time operational coordination and technology deployment, the mission is evolving across every level of the homeland security enterprise.
Border Security Expo 2026 provides a forum where these perspectives converge—bringing together leaders responsible for shaping policy and those executing operations at the federal, state, and local level.
Border Security Expo 2026 takes place May 5–6 in Phoenix, with a Welcome Reception on May 4.
Government, law enforcement, and active-duty military attend complimentary.
