Pubdate: Tue, 29 Dec 2009
Source: Sierra Vista Herald (AZ)
Copyright: 2009 Sierra Vista Herald
Contact:  http://www.svherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1379
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Border+Patrol

ASSAULTS ON BORDER PATROL AGENTS INCREASE DRAMATICALLY

TUCSON -- As a Border Patrol agent continues to recover from a gunshot
wound, the agency's regional chief says the violence is part of a
larger problem.

There has been a 300 percent increase in assaults on agents in the
first two months of this fiscal year (October and November) compared
to last year -- 108 compared to 27 in the Tucson Sector.

Many of these assaults have involved rocks large enough to inflict
serious injury or death. The assaults are usually used as a tactic to
evade apprehension or draw agents away from other illegal smuggling
activity nearby, the agency said. The Border Patrol has countered
these tactics with rock-proof vehicles, enhanced body armor and the
deployment of less-lethal options for self-defense.

As the Border Patrol has expanded its presence, smugglers have shown
growing signs of frustration, the agency said. The rise in violence
toward agents has been a result, the agency said.

In the shooting, an unidentified assailant fired on two agents who
were patrolling Sunday night near Rio Rico. One agent was wounded in
the ankle.

Additional shots were heard as other agents immediately responded to
the area to assist.

The injured agent was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He has since been released from the hospital and remains in good spirits. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake