VP Mike Pence Tours Port Of Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Vice President Mike Pence was in Baltimore Friday for a tour of Border Customs, analyzing the modern technology designed to keep America safe.

Baltimore is home to over 300 large scale systems and has handled almost 40 million tons of cargo at public and private terminals in 2017. The value is almost 54 billion dollars.

"It is remarkable to think about how long the port of Baltimore has played a role in the life of this nation since even before this nation was founded," said Pence.

The briefing of the inspection systems showed how they help detect drugs, weapons and illegal merchandise.

Later led by Secret Service, the Vice President addressed the media to speak about one of the most controversial topics in America: safety.

"I want to promise you," Pence said. "The President and I are going to continue to work tirelessly to get you the resources and the support you need."

It was an address full of promises.

"As we continue to support your work," he said. "we will continue to confront the flow of illegal drugs into America as never before."

This comes after a record 596,972 containers crossed Maryland's piers two years ago - an 11 percent jump from 2016. The VP was more adamant than ever about the pending construction at the border.

"We will not rest. we will not relent until our customs and border protections have the technology, the personnel and the barriers required to secure our border," Pence said. "We're going to build that wall one way or another. I promise you.

Baltimore was the final stop of Pence's trips this week. This past Wednesday, he spoke to the Coast Guard in Virginia, thanking them for their service during the shutdown.

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