Agents report surge in violations at U.S. ports

Article Launched: 09/22/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

By Darren Meritz

El Paso Times

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped 110 people this week for violating U.S. immigration laws while attempting to enter the country -- up from an average of 85 to 100 a week -- customs officials said Friday.

The number is slightly higher than usual, and Roger Maier, spokesman for the El Paso sector of Customs and Border Protection, said the increase is thought to be linked to the sale and rental of fake documents.

Maier estimates the number of undocumented border crossers has increased about a 5 percent over last year's count.

During the first 11 months of fiscal year 2007, area customs officers identified a total of 4,540 suspected immigration violations, outpacing last year's 12-month total of 4,625 violations.

"Probably a lot of that is the officers being thorough in their inspections," he said. "Obviously, we're aware that a lot of that is going on, so the officers are taking a closer look at documents."

Last week, customs officers also made 34 drug seizures at area ports of entry, which netted 3,385 pounds of marijuana and 36 pounds of cocaine.

Also last week, customs officers made six agricultural and food seizures, which included undeclared prohibited items such as raw chicken, eggs, limes, oranges, guavas, quince and live flower bulbs.

Customs officers also seized illegal cockfighting spurs and a live cockatiel.

Darren Meritz may be reached at dmeritz@elpasotimes.com; 546-6127.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_6966659