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David Aguilar is familiar with the U.S.-Mexico border, especially the portion in Cochise County.
Aguilar is the former U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector chief. He is now head of the U.S. Border Patrol.
He likely understands the hundreds of miles of desert border that are a thoroughfare for illegal immigrants from Mexico, Central America, South America and elsewhere. And there is the possibility that terrorists could use this way of entering our nation.
He also knows the border can be violent, where agents face dangers from bullets, to high-speed vehicle chases.
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That's what make us question his statement on Tuesday that the nation's southwest border is secure, which was attributed to him by The Associated Press. He made the comment in Laredo, Texas, while introducing a new advertising program to discourage Mexicans and others in Mexico from crossing the deserts.
"We have implements Š to ensure that even if they get past the border, they're going to be caught up in that net of enforcement," Aguilar said.
Yes, the Border Patrol's manpower has increased, and so has the use of technology along the border.
Border Patrol agents have among the most challenging jobs in all our nation. They must protect us in many areas that are not easily defensible, such as Cochise County's border with Mexico.
Technology plays a critical role in trying to halt illegal immigration. With unmanned aerial vehicles overhead to spot groups of illegal immigrants, and cameras watching the border, agents have better chances of catching those who want to illegally enter the United States.
On Tuesday, Aguilar recognized the fact that agents are protecting America, which is truly what they are being asked to do.
"There's a tremendous recognition on the part of our agents out there that the job they do today is tremendously different, the responsibility is tremendously different than prior to 9-11," he said.
Even with this recognition, as well as the additional technology and hard work of agents, it is obvious our border is not secure. The Border Patrol's enforcement efforts have gotten better, but illegal Mexican immigrants continue to enter our nation through our deserts, as do illegal drugs, other contraband and a host of other foreign nationals.
To all us living in Cochise County, these are not the signs of a secure border.
Graciela wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:36 PM: