Border fence near Andrade port of entry still missing piece

Posted: Nov 21, 2012 5:20 PM PST Updated: Nov 21, 2012 5:22 PM PST
Story by Stephanie Sanchez
KSWT News

http://kswt.images.worldnow.com/images/20162427_BG1.JPG

Yuma--For years now, the Yuma border has been one of the most safe-guarded section of the border.

Top politicians credit the triple and double-layered fencing for nearly stopping illegal immigrants from coming across.

An 18-foot-tall steel fencing collapsed during earth-moving work on the Mexican side near the Andrade port of entry.

On Tuesday, KSWT News 13 returned to the area to see if any progress has been made.

Its been four months and the border fence is still missing a 114 foot piece of steel.

However, Yuma Sector Border Patrol has beefed up security in the area.

They added more agents to keep eye out, several flood lights to keep it well lit at night and temporary chain link fence covering that gaping hole.

We asked you - the taxpayer - if you think this is acceptable?

"I think they're trying their best but I would like it fixed just for safety and security," Tiffany Taylor said. "but the reality is they go out to other places too."

In the past, KSWT tried to get answers but the Department of Homeland Security would only tell us the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still negotiating the contract for fixing the fence.

"They should fix it you know, if they don't have the money...they don't have the money," Jiernes Saade said. "I don't know what the hold up is."

U.S. Border Patrol officials say no word yet on when construction is expected to begin.

Border fence near Andrade port of entry still missing piece - | News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ & CA