AZ - Border Patrol agents again targeted in 'rocking' attacks
Posted on Wednesday, July 29 @ 01:47:18 EDT
Topic: Border Patrol American US Security
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 TUCSON, AZ -- When it comes to rocking assaults, it just goes with the territory for U.S. Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona.
Agents in the Tucson Sector were subjected to several of these attacks last weekend -- people throwing rocks from the Mexican side of the border.
On Friday night, several people who were trying to enter the country illegally 'rocked' an agent just east of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales.
Subjects: Illegal Immigration, U.S. Border Patrol, rock assaults on agents, smugglers, Tucson Sector
July 28, 2009
Rebecca Thomas
abc15.com
The E.W. Scripps Co.
In a separate incident that night, another agent was pelted by rocks while patrolling the border in Nogales.
He suffered a minor injury to his left arm.
The vehicles from both attacks were damaged as well.
On Sunday, an agent with the Douglas Station had his windshield shattered by a rock-thrower, while responding to assist other agents near the Douglas Port of Entry.
He was not hurt.
Then on Monday, there were two more rock attacks on agents patrolling the border in Nogales.
Fortunately, the agents weren't hurt during these assaults either.
Since the current fiscal year began in October 2008, the Border Patrol's Tucson Sector has recorded more than 171 assaults on agents.
"It's the nature of the beast," said Agent Mike Scioli. "Our job is to be on that border and stop whatever comes across -- whether it be illegal drugs or human traffic -- these are the elements of danger we face."
During the same time period last fiscal year, the Tucson Sector had 202 assaults on agents.
So, there has been a slight drop.
But, Agent Scioli says he expects attacks against agents to increase in the coming months.
"Rockings have long been one of the threats we deal with," said Scioli. "With the assistance of new tools (including a pepperball launching system), we continue to enhance our security along the border. And, we will likely continue to see situations of rockings, as a sign of smugglers' aggravation."
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