The Agency, in their “infinite wisdom,” reduced man hours as ordered by DHS. This has limited the number of units on patrol. This action has not gone unnoticed by our adversary. All of this to save money or for political gain?
The agency must make cuts. The Union understands this. However, “Sequestration” has affected operations in a negative way. How severely has this affected border security and operations?
Here is a list of activity that has resulted negatively:
On July 25, 2013, two (2) vehicles rammed their way through the San Ysidro Port of Entry and drove into the United States from Mexico loaded with illegal aliens. They drove northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 with no regard for life or property. About twenty-six illegal aliens made that extremely dangerous and illegal desperate action crammed into these vehicles like animals. This resulted in an accident where two innocent United States citizens were hurt and had to be taken to the local hospital with injuries.
June 10, 2013, Smugglers coordinated their efforts from the north and south sides of the United States / Mexico International Boundary. They cut the primary fence in the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station's area of operations. Two (2) vehicles loaded with their human cargo drove through the fence after it was cut with welding equipment and when the secondary fence gate was disabled from the north side.
June 5, 2013, two (2) vehicles drove through the Campo area of operations in which in one of the drivers attempted to run over and murder Border Patrol Agents. Agents felt their lives were in danger of grievous bodily harm or death and fired their agency issued weapons at the driver of the vehicle. Both vehicles were filled with narcotics. The occupants of one of the vehicles absconded back into Mexico.
May 10, 2013, a smuggling vehicle drove into the United States from Mexico in the same manner as the July 25th incident by ramming through San Ysidro Port of Entry and absconded with an unknown cargo. This “unknown cargo” possesses the greatest threat and danger to border security.
In the past there have been numerous deaths and human suffering associated with this wanton disregard for life. Sometimes, the public forgets that the responsibility for this deadly behavior falls squarely on the drivers of these vehicles and their associates. Border Patrol Agents are authorized to use whatever means necessary to protect the public and themselves against such callous behavior. This brazen and aggressive behavior that is exhibited by the smuggling organizations is controlled and directed by the Cartels. It affects national security, innocent lives, and the lives of the men and women who are sworn to protect our country.
There are, of course, other incidents that occur, and these definitely appear to be on the rise.
Which leaves one to wonder, is this due to a combination of budget cuts and looming amnesty?
Or, for the sake of political gain disguised as saving money?
James Harlan
President
Local 1613
National Border Patrol Council
