March 15, 2004

U.S. Takes Steps to Tighten Mexican Border

Federal officials have become increasingly worried about a surge in violence and instability along the Arizona-Mexico border and will begin what they describe as a major air and ground initiative to help keep out illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and possibly terrorists, officials said on Monday.

The $10 million plan, to be announced on Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, will include the first use of unmanned aircraft for border patrol, the addition of several hundred agents and the creation of seven tent complexes to detain illegal border crossers.

Asa Hutchinson, an under secretary for domestic security, said in an interview that a tightening of security in border areas in California, Texas and elsewhere had led smugglers to turn in increasing numbers to Arizona — often with violent results.

"This is not a secure border," Mr. Hutchinson said. "Arizona has become the chokepoint. This is our current battleground."

Thank you, Bush Administration!
This so needs to happen and not a moment too soon.
As airline and visa access to this country becomes a lot more restrictive for foreigners who would do us harm, their #1 access will be our borders with Canada and Mexico.
Now that we know that we can almost bank on a terror attack before our own elections, I feel better knowing that these unmanned aircraft (predator drones?) are going to be on patrol 24/7 over the softest part of our Mexican border.
This is $10 million in taxpayer dollars that will be well spent and I still hope to see us do more.
I suppose it's too much to hope for an Israeli-style security fence...