Published: May 19, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Commissioner General-designate of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Elijah T. Rufus, on Monday pledged an aggressive overhaul of the country’s border security system, vowing to deploy smart surveillance technologies, improve officer housing, and clamp down on illegal migration that threatens national stability.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, Rufus said his vision is to reposition LIS as both a frontline security force and a driver of national development.
“We must recognize immigration not just as a gatekeeper function but as a vehicle for investment, diplomacy, and economic growth,” Rufus told lawmakers. “Our security begins at the borders—and the borders must be smart, secure, and modern.”
High-Tech Borders on the Horizon
Rufus said his administration, if confirmed, would prioritize technological modernization across Liberia’s key border points. Citing a December 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with Thai-based tech firm SomapalT, he said LIS will begin installing CCTV, biometric scanners, and other digital surveillance tools under a no-upfront-cost model.
“We will use 21st-century tools to confront 21st-century threats,” Rufus said, noting the collaboration would bolster Liberia’s capacity to prevent illegal entry, trafficking, and cross-border crime. “We cannot continue with porous checkpoints and manual logs while threats become increasingly sophisticated.”
Crisis at the Borders: Illegal Crossings Under Watch
The LIS nominee acknowledged growing public anxiety over the unchecked influx of Burkinabé nationals and other undocumented migrants. He disclosed that LIS has deployed intelligence teams to several border counties—Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland—to investigate and contain the wave of illegal migration.
“We’re working closely with local authorities to ensure that no individual crosses into this country without proper documentation,” Rufus told the Senate panel.
Officer Welfare a ‘National Imperative’
Beyond border security, Rufus emphasized a need to invest in the lives of LIS officers, many of whom serve under difficult conditions with no access to decent housing or support.
“It is unacceptable that men and women protecting our borders sleep in makeshift shelters,” he said. “We’ve already engaged with county superintendents and the Liberia Land Authority to secure land for officer quarters—and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Training, Ethics, and Institutional Discipline
Rufus also outlined plans to strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity by investing in continuous training and professional development. He pledged to rehabilitate the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Immigration Training Academy in Foya, Lofa County, and align LIS standards with international best practices.
“A modern immigration service must be built on discipline, ethics, and professionalism,” Rufus said.
Global Partnerships and Legislative Push
The nominee said international partnerships would be central to LIS’s transformation. He committed to closer collaboration with ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and INTERPOL to facilitate information sharing and joint operations.
He also announced plans to seek legislative backing for the construction of modern border posts and to explore Public-Private Partnerships as alternative financing sources.
“We cannot do this alone—we’ll need your support,” Rufus appealed to the Senators. “With strong policy direction and the right partners, we can rebuild LIS into an institution that commands national pride and global respect.”
Public Accountability and Community Engagement
To foster transparency, Rufus said LIS would soon introduce a complaint and feedback mechanism to address citizen concerns. He also promised to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public on the agency’s services and responsibilities.
“If confirmed, I commit to leading with integrity and vision,” he said in closing. “The Liberia Immigration Service can be a pillar of national development—but only if we’re bold enough to reform it now.”
The Senate is expected to deliberate on Rufus’ confirmation later this week.
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