Posted on 11/07/2004 8:04:08 PM PST by JackelopeBreeder
The Tucson sector is the only area in the Southwestern United States where Border Patrol agents are not allowed to set up permanent checkpoints.
Instead, agents rotate to various locations in the sector.
"That takes time. That means we're gonna be down for certain periods of time," says agent Andy Adame.
The idea behind these temporary checkpoints is to catch smugglers by surprise, but critics say this doesn't work because smugglers usually have someone driving a few miles in front of them, to radio back the location of the checkpoint.
The sector's new chief, Mike Nicley, says the solution is permanent checkpoints.
"It really is an enforcement tool that we think is critical to our success down here," says Nicley.
By establishing permanent checkpoints, the Border Patrol believes they can drive smugglers off of Arizona's main roadways, which agents say would slow down smugglers, and help decrease deadly rollover accidents which have become common during smuggling attempts.
But for now, politics are standing in the way because some top lawmakers have differing opinions on the need for permanent checkpoints.
"I support the Border Patrol's view on this. I hope they get more checkpoints, more permanent checkpoints," says U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, a Republican from Arizona.
U.S. Congressman Jim Kolbe, also a Republican from Arizona, does not see the need for permanent checkpoints. "I think there is a permanent checkpoint. It's called 'the border.' That's where we stop people from coming in," Kolbe says.
Kolbe, however, has asked the government to study the effectiveness of the permanent checkpoints. Depending on the results, he says he may change his position.
Every year when the DHS budget shows up in the House, he adds the language shown below.
Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated in this Act may be obligated to construct permanent Border Patrol checkpoints in the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's Tucson sector. (Hey, they're too effective at slowing the flow of drugs and aliens.)
Provided further, That the Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, is directed to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives a plan for expenditure that includes location, design, costs, and benefits of each proposed Tucson sector permanent checkpoint. (Welcome to a review process that will take eons.)
Provided further, That the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection shall relocate its tactical checkpoints in the Tucson sector at least an average of once every 14 days in a manner designed to prevent persons subject to inspection from predicting the location of any such checkpoint. (Hey, you're still being too effective.
Sounds reasonable? It isn't. We had four semi-permanent checkpoints here in Cochise County that were quite effective given our geography. Traffic is not heavy and I never experienced more than a couple of minutes delay. At one point, Kolbe forced the Border Patrol to close all the checkpoints here for months.
This summer they were allowed to run them for a week, then shut them down for a week. It was kind of amazing to watch. The checkpoints would close down, and magically, traffic heading north would increase. A rather strange state of affairs considering it was happening during the much ballyhoo'ed Arizona Border Control Initiative.
Ping!
perhaps I'm missing some info but I don't quite understand. why do you think that kolbe holds the position that he does? what's your position?
Kolbe is our local Log Cabin RINO congresscritter. He makes a habit of interfering with the Border Patrol any time they look to be getting too good at their job.
The rest of the Tucson sector belongs to Raul Grijalva, former Mechista and now congresscritter for Aztlan.
what a maroon.
Raul Grijalva was elected? I didn't know that. damn that's sad...
Same reason as Kolbe -- liberal Tucson.
On the bright side, Grijalva bestowed my tagline on me. It is rumored that he is president of my fan club.
What's he going to do if Proposition 200 makes it to being law and all his constituents lose their welfare checks?
I would love to confirm that for you, but Rauuuul won't talk to me.
I think a lot of our open borders politicians here live in dread of having their personal finances closely scrutinized. I haven't taken a close look at Grijalva yet, but Kolbe has substantial Mexican investments and assets.
Things that make you go hmmmm...
Damn -- that has to be from the '50s. They hit 12 cents in the '60s.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.