Border security chief must walk a fine line

By Jerry Seper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published January 31, 2007

It's one of the toughest assignments in America: Keep terrorists from sneaking into the United States while ensuring the border is open to legitimate trade and travel.
But Assistant Commissioner Jay Ahern, who heads the Office of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), says the agency is up to the task.
"Knowing the destruction that can happen, there is a sense of urgency that drives all of us," Mr. Ahern said during an interview at his headquarters in Washington. "Every day I have a sick feeling in my stomach worrying whether I have addressed every problem, done everything I could to prevent another attack. And I know I'm not alone.