Border Patrol Makes Its Case For An Expanded 'Border Barrier'
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Senior Border Patrol officials are taking up President Trump's call for more miles of border barrier, pushing back against congressional Democrats who say additional fencing is unnecessary.
During a ride-along with the Border Patrol on Wednesday in its San Diego sector, agents made it clear that the fence deters illegal crossers.
"I started in the San Diego sector in 1992 and it didn't matter how many agents we lined up," said Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott. "We could not make a measurable impact on the flow [of undocumented immigrants] across the border. It wasn't until we installed barriers along the border that gave us the upper hand that we started to get control."
Forty-six of the 60 miles of border in the San Diego sector are currently protected by some type of barrier. Scott says in the places where he has two levels of fencing he achieves 90 percent operational control.
Scott was interviewed in a clearing at the base of the San Ysidro Mountains, a rugged sierra in southern San Diego County. For years, agents have considered the harsh terrain here to be a natural deterrent to illegal crossers. It is mainly Bureau of Land Management land with rocky inclines covered in cactus and juniper.
Even though the traffic here is at relatively low levels, the San Diego sector is now seeking 5 miles of additional fencing across this mountainous ground to stop the illegal movement of humans and drugs.
"Every night people come through this canyon," said Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael Scappechio. "If we put in a border barrier, we can utilize the [agent] manpower elsewhere."
He added that a steel fence is a smarter border defense than having agents in ATVs or on foot chasing people crossing illegally through remote and rocky ravines, which is dangerous for the pursuer and the pursued.
Replacing and installing new fencing
Currently, according to the spokesperson for the CBP's San Diego sector, they're spending $10.5 million a mile to replace 14 miles of old fencing with 18-foot-tall, state-of-the-art, steel bollard barrier between San Diego County and Tijuana. Trump has asked for an additional $5.7 billion for 234 miles of new steel slat fencing in sections along the entire U.S.-Mexico boundary. That works out to $24.4 million a mile. Critics have demanded to know why Trump's wall is so much more expensive than current fence construction.
A senior official with Customs and Border Protection told NPR that the added expense comes from building access roads, installing sensors and acquiring private land — which accounts for most of the borderland in Texas.
Some Border Patrol agents say privately that the administration is putting too much emphasis on the wall and it needs to keep a more holistic vision of border security that includes technology such as remote mounted cameras, sensors, lights and tethered spy blimps, as well as manpower.
Migrants wait in Tijuana
Across the border in Tijuana, the number of Central American migrants who arrived in a caravan in November has dropped from 8,000 to 2,000. Those remaining are waiting for their turn to ask U.S. officials for asylum or contemplating brincando el muro — jumping the fence — to surrender to agents. Scott said his agents have arrested more than 2,500 migrants from the group who crossed the border illegally, pushing aside or climbing over old sections of sheet metal fencing.
Critics have lambasted San Diego agents for firing tear gas at groups of migrants who attempted to breach the border barrier in two separate incidents in the past few weeks. Photographers captured images of mothers and children running from clouds of gas.
Scott said his agents were being pelted with rocks from the south side of the border. "My agents have a right to protect themselves and will continue to do so," he said. "When they are assaulted, they will respond in the safest manner they can."
Both incidents are under investigation by CBP's Use of Force Review Board.
Since the last tear-gassing on Jan. 1, caravan migrants are deciding not to cross illegally in big groups in front of news cameras, said Soraya Vazquez Pesqueira, a Tijuana attorney and immigrant activist. "They've seen that there is a violent response from the U.S. authorities. Now if they cross illegally, they do so individually or in small groups, that don't call attention to themselves. They're more careful."
U.S. border officials allow about 40 to 60 Central Americans from the caravan into the San Ysidro Port of Entry each day. Those who seek asylum are usually released with an electronic ankle monitor and given a date to appear before an immigration judge. Those who are simply looking for work, which Scott says accounts for the majority of Hondurans he sees, are detained and deported.
Remain in Mexico
On Dec. 20, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced a "historic measure" that would require all asylum-seekers at the Southern border to return to Mexico and wait there while their cases are resolved. The dramatic policy announcement was the administration's attempt to cease the "catch and release" of migrants who come to the U.S. border seeking protection.
A senior administration official familiar with border security negotiations, who asked not to be named, told NPR the "Remain in Mexico" policy has been suspended for the time being, because of "diplomatic complexities." Mexican officials have expressed concern that their northern border cities cannot accommodate thousands of additional poor migrants waiting around for months while their cases wend their way through backlogged U.S. immigration courts.
A spokesman for Mexico's foreign minister told NPR's Carrie Kahn that he does not have any information about a suspension of the program nor any comment.
Tags
Who is online
648 visitors
"Every night people come through this canyon," said Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael Scappechio. "If we put in a border barrier, we can utilize the [agent] manpower elsewhere."
He added that a steel fence is a smarter border defense than having agents in ATVs or on foot chasing people crossing illegally through remote and rocky ravines, which is dangerous for the pursuer and the pursued.
Thanks for posting this information, good read...
The fact is if it weren't for the big fence we have separating San Diego from Tijuana, all 8,000 of those people would already be loose in the United States. Don't tell me walls don't work.
Not to mention the 10,000 who are presently on their way AFTER Mexico gives them travel visas - which they are working on.
Why not, there is not evidence to the contrary.
Doublespeak notwithstanding, a FENCE is not a WALL.
I just gave you the evidence. Thousands of people who wanted to walk into the US and are either stuck waiting or turned around.
Oh please do not come at me with that same tired garbage again. It is exactly the same thing.
Yes, your "fence is not a wall" BS is doublespeak. We have been over this and over this. Neither you nor anyone else who spreads this nonsense around has ever been able to properly differentiate between the two terms. You know what we're talking about and you choose to not be honest about it.
From the professionals on the line Dulay - think they oughta know, eh?
You did? Where?
Your cited how many were LEFT there. You didn't provide one iota of evidence how many were stopped by a WALL.
Please proceed.
Oh please don't come at me with that same tired BULLSHIT that a FENCE is the exact same thing as a WALL.
Nope, YOUR "a FENCE IS A WALL" is doublespeak.
Why the hell would I have to differentiate between the two terms when every fucking dictionary does a fine job of doing it for me?
First of all, who are 'we' Tacos!?
Secondly, YES. I know that what YOU are talking about is to try to get ME to do is acquiesce to doublespeak. I refuse.
No Tacos!, I choose not to accept the premise of your posit. There is a YUGE difference.
I notice that you made that PLURAL. ONE guy who works on the border does not make 'professionals'.
His opinion is NO more relevant that those represented in the article in this:
THEY oughta know, RIGHT?
Are you for real right now? What do you think stopped them? Their deep respect for American immigration law? Their fear of not being able to speak English? No, our physical barrier, backed by Border Patrol agents is what stopped them. I can't believe I waste my time explaining the obvious.
As for your obsession with the word "wall" I'm not going to dignify your evasions and pretend that is a serious topic.
But I will take it to mean that you have no objection to spending money on a few hundred miles of new and improved border fencing.
Yes.
Where is your evidence that they WERE stopped? Thousands were apprehended elsewhere, thousands were allowed to seek asylum. Thousands were turned away.
YOU seem to be the one 'obsessed with the word 'WALL'. You said:
did you not?
I am telling you that you can't prove that 'WALLS' work on the border because there is NO WALL, therefore logically, it is IMPOSSIBLE for a WALL to have stopped anyone.
Try reading just a little instead of trolling. The efficacy of the barrier is right there for you in the article.
The barrier works. Build the fence. Build the wall. I don't care what you call it. Just build it.
Tacos, I'm sure that you already know this, but this is a good place to put it. The minute that a Leftist finds that hie is losing and that his statements don't match reality, he immediately starts the definition game. That's why I now call them all Leftists. If you use Communists or Socialists, which is what they actually are, they start trying to change minutiae in order to define themselves as something inoffensive. This tactic has been going on since Uncle Joe Stalin started using it back in the 1920's That's about the same time that he said that any lie was acceptable as long as it benefited the Party.
In one sense, of course, no barrier by itself whether wall, fence or razor wire, is going to stop a determined illegal from coming across. The only thing that definitely will stop them is a man with a gun and the willingness to use it. The wall just slows them down enough so he can draw a bead on them (actually, I favor minefields).
Well put.
YOU insisted that a 'WALL' works. Not one word of what you quoted proves that ANY of those 8,000 people you cited were STOPPED by a 'WALL'.
You can assume all you want but there isn't one iota of evidence in that article about what happened to those 6000 people.
So you're back peddling on your 'a WALL works'. Good to see...
Yes, there is. You refuse to read. They arrested 2500 people who were stopped by the wall and tried to break through it.
How is "just build it" backpedaling?
Actually, since they were ARRESTED in the US, they weren't STOPPED from entering. Sheesh!
Well gee Tacos!, you went from 'Don't tell me walls don't work' to saying 'The barrier works'.
I presume your are talking about me. You may want to note that I am not the one that changed the terms I was using...
BTFW, the definition of words matters. A FENCE is not a WALL.
Yup - if you'd read the thread and link, you'd have noticed that there were numerous BP agents, a few requested not to be named, supporting the barrier.
Dulay - they were ARRESTED while attempting to circumvent the barriers in place.
Yet you only quoted ONE OF THEM...
Nope. The SUCCEEDED in crossing the border where a barrier exists.
The CBP can't arrest someone until they are US soil. Sheesh!
LOL. At this point, it's just kind of awe-inspiring watching you try to argue that up is down.
And that's a violation of what?????
Democrats want EXPERT "Desk Jockeys" and "Number Crunchers" in a meeting over "Border Security". The ones that are actually on the "Border"....aren't "Experts", so they aren't welcome.... or so it seems so far ! (Facepalm Face)
No ME - Dems want new voters - they want to be the benefactors of the world - you know, give shit away to people who don't deserve it.
Wow, I expected more of you.
How many years does it take for someone who receives asylum to become a citizen and vote 1st? Do you CARE?
It's telling that you think that the GOP is incapable of winning their vote in the YEARS they will live here before they can take the oath.
Secondly, are you claiming that the Democrats are exclusively responsible for the US being signatories to International Refugee treaties?
How about for the Immigration and Nationality Act? Is that all on the Dems too?
Hell, I thought neo-nationalists were all about the rule of law. Even Nielsen had to suck up her disappointment in not being able to alter Immigration law by fiat.
Dulay - sorry, but you are very confused.
1st - a person receiving asylum is not on the path for citizenship nor can they vote. They must go through a time frame BEFORE they can apply for a change of status and even apply for a work permit. But, you already knew that.
2nd - and, based on my response above, it will be YEARS before the DEMS can win their LEGAL vote. But, you already knew that.
3rd - Please explain, in depth, where I said the Dems had anything to do with the International Refugee treaties. Just a highlight would be sufficient.
4th - yes, the Dems futched up the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1986 when they told Reagan that they would support and provide funding - and then backed out and denied they ever said it.
5th - but you noticed Barry Obama had absolutely no fear, even after admitting he wasn't authorized to do so, when he altered the Immigration law by EO. But, you already knew that.
Did you say some shit about 'free stuff' or NOT?
The ONLY time they get 'free stuff' is when they are initially allowed into the country. After that, they are on their own.
So Reagan was duped. Got ya.
Hilarious. Trump's THREE EO's about Muslim immigration come to mind 1st?
Last I knew, welfare benefits were in fact free....
Supreme Court rules that Trump's travel ban is constitutional
Barry's "Let them have cake" EO's are still making their way to SCOTUS and will be found to be unconstitutional. Why???? Because the LAW had to be amended since he added a new "class" of immigrant - which, BY LAW, no one but Congress can do - but, you already knew that.
Uhhhh - no - ALL Illegal Aliens who are apprehended are given free medical care. Illegal Alien mothers who delivered their kids in the U. S. receive delivery and medical care. The kids receive medical care and subsistence allowances for food and natal care.
USCIS approved 11,729 affirmative asylum applications in FY 2016 - In fiscal year (FY) 2016, the most recent year for which data are available, 20,455 individuals were granted asylum, which is about 28 percent out of the 73,081 cases. Approval rates varied by immigration court from about 10 percent to 80 percent. Hmmm - 2016 - wasn't that Barry's last year? Guess that's why it was such a large number.
Ya, his THIRD one...
Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Administration on DACA Termination
In short, when the Government takes custody of someone, they are responsible for their medical care. THE HORROR!
BTFW, right now Manafort is getting 'free stuff' from the government too.
I'm sure that you feel that data is relevant 1st. Perhaps you can explain why you feel that way.
BTW, 2018 USCIS data is available should you be interested.
Uhhh - DACA has nothing to do with the Muslim case that went to SCOTUS.
BTW - not according to USCIS as of 1/19/19.
It sure as hell DOES have something to do with 'Barry's "Let them have cake" EO' right 1st?
The USCIS reports out asylum applications and case workload data EVERY MONTH.
Here's a link to one of them:
They also do a quarterly report and End of Year report.
So now, can you explain WHY that data RELEVANT to you 1st?
Yes, I knew that already and so did you. Which begs the question, Why did you post the following?
Democrats have been getting in front of cameras the last couple of days saying they want to hear from professionals what they need concerning border security.
For God's sake, where have they been? Trump had several BP agents in the Oval Office only a couple of weeks ago saying a barrier is needed, and this seed says the same damn thing.
It is obvious democrats do not want the government fully opened. Americans will see this farce and the temporary dem control of the House will be over in less than 2 years.
Not to mention the Chief of the Border Patrol has done multiple TV interviews saying she wants the wall.
Congress members who do not want a wall or fence do not deserve to have locks on their doors
So by your logic...
Congress members who do not vote for reopening government do not deserve to have any money or security of their own.
And just which Congress Critters would those be? Do not say the republicans because each and every proposal they have made that has been rejected by democrats would have opened the parts of government that would have been closed in
Democrats have rejected funding for Trump's stupid wall, each and every time.
Republicans have voted against, or refused to bring up to a vote, clean funding bills.
But, as to your claim, where in my statement did I separate Republicans and Democrats???
My logic is they don't care about security for the citizens then they don't deserve a fence around their building and just anybody can wonder into their office
So? Any of those bills would have opened the government would they not? yes or no? .
Go you one better -
No answer? A simple yes or no is a" that is required.
The average net worth of those in Congress is around $500,000. Few would be hurting during a shutdown. Their Gym and Dinning room aren't effected by the shutdown. BTW, Trump still had 2 Chefs on staff during his 'hamberder' stunt.
1st, the one thing that I would like the answer to is, why wasn't this a priority when the republicans had control of all three branches of government?
Suddenly it is a national emergency and it wasn't a couple of month ago.
I have a bit of experience with the border having lived in CA for decades and running operations at Otay Mesa and in Mexico for our company. So I'm up for a serious discussion on this situation.
I don't understand that either
The sick irony is that Trump's budget and the CBP's budget only requests 1.6 Billion for border barriers. The Senate DHS Appropriation Committee reported out a bill, that was supported by Democrats on the Committee, that included EXACTLY that amount for 'border FENCING'.
McConnell did NOT bring that bill to the floor. Nor did Ryan bring the related bill to the House floor. That's what passes as 'leadership' in the GOP.
The GOP failed to pass appropriations bills for 7 agencies of the government before the Sept. 2018 year end, yet somehow it's the Democrats fault that the government is shut down.
It's utter bullshit.
Almost on the same line as - hey, why didn't the Obama administrations - both of them - have a priority to follow the laws that were passed in 2006 when they had control of both the House and the Senate. I mean, Obama and his team had EIGHT years to apply the law - Trump has only had two.
Prior to a couple of months ago, the influx of Illegal Aliens at the borders was not as large as it became in September when the mass marches began. In October, over 8,000 potential immigrants were marching toward the U. S. borders. In November, 5,000 began their march and are presently in Tijuana. This month, approximately 10,000 potential immigrants are making their way through Mexico, headed for U. S. borders. You've read the stories on national news and here on NT of what is happening in the border towns and in ranches/farms between with the disastrous results. Yeah, it's a national emergency that we, in the SW, are having to live with daily.
Prior to the 2018 elections, if you'll review the news, the barrier was a priority and by all counts it "looked" like the request for funding was going to be approved. Then Trump pissed in the Dems cherrios and they decided that he wasn't going to get anything - period. Kinda like Boner tried to do with Obama.
I asked why this hasn't been done before now with the current administration. We are talking about now, not eight years ago.
The Obama fallback isn't the question nor the answer. Your comment states that it was in September that this huge influx of migrants arrived at the border with more following. That was 5 months ago and just now it's become a national emergency!!! I don't buy that at all.
So Trump and before him Boner started the stupid shit and now it's all the dems fault!!!
Nope, Obama started the stupid shit. That's why eight years ago is important; that's when the problem started. Now is when it became acute and the flaws in Obama's reasoning started becoming visible. The legal structure is cracking under an overwhelming, directed assault. The organization of those caravans is almost military in nature and is there for the purpose of overwhelming the defenders by sheer numbers; you may know it as a human wave attack.
I thought that the ''human wave'' attack was to be handled by the military that were sent to the border.
Utter bullshit 1st.
Did Trump use his 'WALL' to fearmonger before the 2018 election. Sure.
But the facts show that it had nothing to do with the actual funding of Border Security.
The job of the Congress is to pass the appropriations bills BEFORE the end of the fiscal year, which was Sept, 30, 2018.
In their 2019 budgets, Trump and the CBP requested 1.6 Billion for construction of Border Fencing in SPECIFIC locations. That funding was in both the Senate and House bills from JUNE of 2018. Neither McConnell or Ryan brought those bills to the floor. Those are FACTS.
So Trump, the CBP and the GOP leadership didn't put a 5.7 BILLION dollar priority on the barrier. Trump pulled that number out of Miller's ass in December because Fox, Coulter and Limbaugh were mean to him.
Nope - military could only do "support" - but not be involved with contact with the illegal aliens unless getting documentation and such.
Well, if you'd read the news from September on, you'll see Trump stating that it was a National Emergency and he was considering closing down the border.
Why in the world are they on the border. The National Guard should be used in that type of circumstance which they have been in the past. IMO, Trump is trying to impress his followers with this BS stunt of sending the active military to the border.
Ya know, sometimes you make a good point - but not this time.
Trump told Congress on numerous occasions, that he needed $5B so a barrier could be built. He expected Congress to do their frigging job and that the House would put it in a budget request.
Did they??? Probably, but it was whittled down to the $1.6/1.8B that you stated.
I have been reading the news and what I see is Trump blowing smoke. If it's a national emergency than declare it and stop with the threats.
Where was that 5B in his budget 1st? Why didn't Trump or the CBP request 5 Billion for a barrier ON PAPER?
BTW, how many times did Trump tell the American people that Mexico was going to pay for his Wall.
It's ironic that the CBP hasn't even submitted assessments for the cost of the construction of barriers that they have prioritized. They seem to want to pretend that an 'average cost per mile' is sufficient, even though DHS acquisition policy makes it clear that it isn't. The GAO reamed the DHS and the CBP a new one in their June 2018 report.
Gee 1st, the 'GREAT Negotiator' had a whole fucking year to get that done. Yet neither of the bills on file have 5 Billion for a border wall.
Nope, actually if was elevated from the lower # preferred by the Dems and the Democrats STILL voted for it in the Senate DHS Appropriations Committee. NEVER was 5 Billion proposed.
Look, we all KNOW that McConnell had a DEAL with Trump on the CR. We all KNOW that once the RW talking heads said mean things about him, Trump reneged and left McConnell out to dry.
THAT is why McConnell disappeared for weeks and why Trump just caved PUBLICLY today. McConnell would not bring another bill to the floor unless and until Trump publicly agreed to sign it.