Posted on 01/01/2007 11:54:13 AM PST by calcowgirl
Illegal immigrants planning to cross the desert and enter the US on foot are to be given hand-held satellite devices by the Mexican authorities to ensure they arrive safely.
Those who get lost or fall sick during the dangerous four-day crossing will be able to activate the device, to alert frontier police on both sides of the border.
The satellite tracking service will require would-be illegals to register their intentions before setting off — a paradoxical move, given that secrecy is necessary for success — but Mexican authorities are predicting that about 200,000 devices will be handed out when the project is launched formally in the coming year.
"Our intention is to save lives," said Jaime Obregon, the co-ordinator for the state commission for migrants in Puebla, the Mexican state which is behind the project. "There are lots of people looking to cross and we are working with the US authorities to make sure they do not die on the way."
Between 20 and 30 migrants succumb to hellish temperatures and insect bites while attempting to cross into Arizona every year. Heat exhaustion sometimes causes short-term memory loss, with trekkers wandering aimlessly into the desert.
The route into Arizona, known as the Sasave Pass, is both the most common and the most dangerous way into the US. According to Mexican state migrant authorities, up to 75,000 attempt the crossing every month, of whom between 50,000 and 60,000 are caught by US border patrols and sent back.
The chance of success depends greatly on the knowledge of the guide, known as a "coyote" or "desert fox". They charge between $2,000 and $10,000 per person (£1,025-£5,100).
Coyotes are merciless if a member of their pack lags behind. "If you cannot keep up they will abandon you." said Mr Obregon. "Alone, you have about 36 hours to live. It is in this period the satellite device makes a difference."
A spokesman for US Customs and Border Protection said: "We do not have any information about the Mexican government providing satellite trackers to people, but we strongly discourage encouragement to people who are attempting to cross illegally into the US."
Question..
This has to violate some treaty or agreement, one would think. But what will our La Raza awarded AG do? Will he even peep?
I await DHS' Mr. Chertoff's remarks regarding this latest charade of a controlled border.
It may open up a whole new industry... they can be returned for their Redemption Value.
Kinda like aluminum cans in California.
Sounds like a good idea to me. They'll all be trackable. Yeah, they have to "activate" it to work, but do you really think it won't already be activated? Pretty clever, imo. Saving lives and tracking crossers at the same time.
Can't someone use the same gps signals to locate the illegals with the devices and round them up?
Is there a translator for those images?
I really can't believe this.
2 -- Press 2 for English.
I guess this is Felipe Calderon and that wonderful conservative PAN party pushing to destroy the USA once again. So, if they catch something wrong then what? The international courts or putting more border patrol agents in prison.
I figure they are after putting more border patrol agents into prison therefore ensuring an open border.
That says it all.
Did you also start fires in Hotels as a child?
Nothing to worry here, folks. Pres. Bush will show his resolute leadership when it comes to defending the borders against this illegal invasion.
/sarc
1) Cut off the welfare freebees.
2) Heavy fines for all companies employing illegals.
3) Secure the border with the National Guard and a barrier (wall/fence).
4) Rescind the anchor baby laws.
And of course, to never reward their lawlessness with amensty.
Hey you, I have a personal relationship with that wall! LOL!
With the millions we send to Mexico every year in foreign aid, we probably are. Sweet deal, eh?
I copied the article and emailed to comments@whitehouse.gov
Please do the same. Inundate them with this knowledge. If they fail to act, it's on their heads.
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