SAN ANTONIO — Despite all the talk of a border wall to curb illegal immigration, Trump administration officials and border security experts at this week’s Border Security Expo agreed that it’s just as important to fix legal loopholes that continue to draw immigrants north.

Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke kicked off the first event Wednesday with a strong show of support for President Trump’s campaign promise of a “big, beautiful wall” on the southwest border, but even she stressed the need for steps beyond the wall, including a more strict vetting of immigrants.