Washington – U.S. Customs and Border Protection signed a joint agreement today in Washington, D.C., with the United Kingdom Border Agency to strengthen our countries’ borders by sharing information on people who may present a threat – including illegal immigrants, smugglers and foreign criminals – before they even arrive. "Strong partnerships mean open lines of communication," said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. "This agreement equips our frontline personnel with the information they need to protect our citizens and facilitate legitimate trade and travel." As a result of the agreement, CBP’s National Targeting Center and UKBA’s Joint Borders Operations Centre will strengthen the capability of the U.S. and the U.K. to verify travel documents, detect falseentities, determine admissibility, carry out customs purposes andentify persons traveling between our countries who may pose a security risk. The exchange of information between NTC and the JBOC will serve both enforcement and facilitation interests of both nations. “The U.K. is currently undergoing the biggest shake up in its border security for 45 years. This agreement will mean that we are better informed about threats to our borders, and able to target our resources to deal with those threats,” said Brodie Clark, Head of the Border Force, UK Border Agency. “It provides a model of international co-operation that will become increasingly important in delivering fast but firm border management.” The agreement also will improve communication between the two agencies when a person is denied entry and returned to the traveler’s country of origin. “A strong tough border, protecting our country from illegal immigrants, foreign criminals and drug smugglers, is a goal the U.K. and the U.S. share,” said U.K. Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne. “That is why we are using our technology and expertise to target those who aren’t willing to play by our rules. By sharing information on individuals we have removed and refused entry to our countries we are able to help protect the shore and borders of our partners. “The U.K.’s electronic border checks are already delivering a more secure U.K. border with more than 50 million passenger movements recorded generating over 20,000 alerts and 2,100 arrests for crimes such as murder, rape and assault,” he added. CBP and UKBA signed an agreement June 24 to develop a bilateral pilot program to facilitate travel between the two nations. The International Expedited Traveler Initiative will integrate CBP’s Global Entry program with the British registered traveler program. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. The UK Border Agency is responsible for securing the United Kingdom borders and controlling migration in the United Kingdom. UKBA manages border control for the United Kingdom and enforces immigration and customs regulations. UKBA also considers applications for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom, citizenship and asylum. For more information, contact: Joanne Ferreira International Travel Phone: (202) 344-1780 CBP Headquarters Office of Public Affairs Phone: (202) 344-1770 or (800) 826-1471