Thread: Assaults on Border Patrol agents down in Tucson Sector

http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=5823211&nav=HMO6HMaW

Assaults on Border Patrol agents down in Tucson Sector

Dec 16, 2006 06:28 AM PST

The Tucson Border Patrol sector is seeing a promising trend as the number of reported assaults on their agents is dropping.
In fiscal year 2004, 118 assaults were reported.

The numbers went up sharply in 2005 with 241 assaults.

In fiscal year 2006, which just ended, there were 215 reports.

And so far this fiscal year, which is only a few months old, there are 25 reported assaults.

That's a 30% decrease from this time last year.

Border Patrol agents in Tucson attribute to the drop in agent assaults to a number of reasons.

Agent Jose Maheda says, "Cameras, our sensor technology that we've placed along the border. Every year the Border Patrol is given more and more technology such as intrusion devices along the U.S./Mexican border."

On top of that, agents say communication with Mexican authorities has improved ten-fold.

"We can pick up a radio and directly talk to law enforcement agencies behind me in Mexico."

Despite a decrease in assaults, the criminals continue to get more and more violent.

Maheda says, "This piece of concrete is an example of what is thrown at the agents somewhat on a daily basis."

Close to a dozen Border Patrol vehicles are protected by metal cages on the windows, in case someone throws rocks.

With vehicular assaults and other types of assaults involving pipes and gasoline bottles, agents must remain vigilant.

Maheda says, "This is part of the U.S./Mexico border. The Border Patrol owns this area. We're not gonna give it up. We're not going away. We're gonna stay here."

In Yuma, assaults on Border Patrol agents are on the rise.

They increased by almost 20% in 2006.

So far this fiscal year, assaults are up 63% compared to the same time last year.

There has been so much scandal involving the Border Patrol. I am not sure if I believe this. It seems like their hands are tied no matter what, and they are forced to make the situation much prettier than it is.

If these assaults are taking place on the American side the order to shoot should have been given long ago at least with rubber bullets to start with! Gasoline bombs are a direct threat on their very lives and in my opinion constitute an act of war!

I have heard stories where Americans are being threatened by Mexican military, and some people can't even get utilities because the utility company is too afraid to go out there. Where is our government? Ranch Rescue was being criticized for taking matters into their own hands, but last I heard, the government had turned their back on these folks. What are they to do?