Pubdate: Tue, 31 May 2005
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2005 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Jerry Seper
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

ARIZONA BORDER CHECKS BLOCKED

U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints near the Mexican border are essential in 
stopping the flow of illegal aliens and drugs into America, say 
law-enforcement authorities, but permanent checkpoints in southern Arizona 
are not allowed.

While Border Patrol agents in Arizona accounted for more than half of the 
1.15 million illegals caught last year, Congress -- led by Rep. Jim Kolbe, 
Arizona Republican -- steadfastly has approved appropriation bills that 
prohibit permanent checkpoints along a 260-mile section of the Arizona 
border known as the Tucson sector.

Tucson is the only one of 20 Border Patrol sectors nationwide not permitted 
to set up permanent checkpoints.

Last year, according to the Department of Homeland Security, agents working 
at permanent checkpoints in the other 19 sectors detained more than 51,000 
illegal aliens -- about 140 a day -- and seized nearly 450,000 pounds of 
marijuana and cocaine, valued at more than $700 million.

Mr. Kolbe, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, has 
vigorously argued that permanent checkpoints are not the best use of 
available Border Patrol resources, saying: "If it's permanent, then 
everyone knows where the checkpoint is and they just go around it."

In helping to draft legislation blocking the creation of permanent 
checkpoints in the Tucson sector, which he represents, Mr. Kolbe has said 
taxpayer funds could better be used "towards additional vehicles, 
night-vision gear, sensors, lights, fencing or other needed equipment."

While Mr. Kolbe has endorsed the use of "tactical mobile checkpoints that 
move from place to place," Border Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar, who 
formerly headed the Tucson sector, told a Senate subcommittee last month 
that permanent checkpoints south of Tucson would help agents apprehend more 
illegal aliens trying to sneak into the United States.

Mr. Aguilar testified before a Senate Homeland Security subcommittee that 
agents "cannot control our borders by merely enforcing the line," adding 
that the Border Patrol strategy "incorporates a defense-in-depth component" 
to include permanent checkpoints away from the border.

"Checkpoints are critical to our patrol efforts," he said. "Permanent 
checkpoints allow the Border Patrol to establish an important second layer 
of defense."

Border Patrol field agents in Arizona said the state's terrain, coupled 
with a limited number of highways, creates "choke points" ideal for 
permanent checkpoints, and that illegals who attempt to go around are 
targeted by mobile Border Patrol units routinely assigned as a part of a 
checkpoint operation.

They also said temporary checkpoints offer little if any protection against 
the elements, including temperatures in Arizona that often exceed 110 
degrees, and that permanent checkpoints allow for the installation of 
improved radio and telephone communications.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, who 
oversees the Border Patrol, told a House committee this month that 
permanent checkpoints are "critical" in controlling illegal immigration, 
adding that CBP cannot secure the border unless "our apprehensions 
demonstrate the futility of attempting to enter the United States illegally."

In testimony before the House Government Reform Committee, Mr. Bonner said 
permanent checkpoints "deny major routes of egress from the borders to 
smugglers intent on delivering people, drugs and other contraband."

The issue of permanent checkpoints is under review by the Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) and a report is due shortly. Kristen Hellmer, 
spokeswoman for Mr. Kolbe, said the GAO review is continuing and that the 
congressman had met with investigators.

In 1997, Mr. Kolbe successfully killed a $1 million allocation by Congress 
for the construction of a permanent checkpoint on Interstate 19 north of 
Nogales, after area residents complained it would disrupt traffic and lead 
to increased numbers of illegal aliens crossing through residential areas.
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MAP posted-by: Beth