Border Patrol officials open up to concerns from public
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July 10, 2008 - 9:15PM
BY STEPHANIE SANCHEZ, SUN STAFF WRITER
Members of the public got the chance to question U.S. Border Patrol officials from the Yuma Sector on Thursday.

About 20 people attended the meeting held at the Yuma City Council Chambers, City One Plaza, to voice their questions or concerns ranging from illegal immigrant prosecutions to cooperation with local law enforcement participation with the border patrol.

The meeting was part of an effort to improve community relations by promoting better public understanding of the Border Patrol's operations.

John R. Minore, a member and legal counselor of the Yuma Patriots, a border watch group, asked sector chief Paul Beeson if the border patrol really is prosecuting any illegal immigrants when they get caught the first time. Minore, legal counselor for the Yuma Patriots, said he hasn't known or heard of any illegal immigrant prosecutions being done in the Yuma sector. "In this sector if you cross, we are going to prosecute you," Beeson, Yuma's sector chief said. "Yes, they do go to jail."

"I think he's mistaken," Minore said to The Sun.

Beeson also explained to the public how sometimes there may be exceptions when prosecuting illegal immigrants that are caught in the Yuma sector.

"There are exceptions. If we have a mom with a 3-year-old child case, I'm not going to split them up," Beeson said. "A dad with a 3-year-old child case, I'm not going to split them up."

Flash Sharar, a member of the Yuma Patriots, disagreed with Beeson and said he understood why the border patrol may not want to separate a family but he believes an illegal immigrant is still an illegal immigrant.

On another note, Minore asked the Border Patrol why the Yuma Police Department refused to assist the Border Patrol by throwing spikes out when there is a high-speed car chase caused by an illegal immigrant within city limits.

Beeson said that border patrol officials do work closely with all local law enforcement agencies and they do get tremendous support.

Officials also gave an update on how the border patrol was doing in their operations safeguarding the border.

According to U.S. Border Patrol statistics, in 2005, there were a total of 138,429 apprehensions in the Yuma sector compared to a total of 37,990 in 2007.

The Yuma sector is about 1,125 miles of international border.

"What we've seen is a decrease in activity through constant applications of resources," Beeson said.

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Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.
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