Thread: AZ. Sheriffs Sound Off on Abandoned Border Fence Project

Sheriffs Sound Off on Abandoned Border Fence Project

Updated: Monday, 17 Jan 2011, 5:14 PM MST
Published : Monday, 17 Jan 2011, 5:14 PM MST

PHOENIX - It was supposed to be the future of border security -- 2,000 miles of virtual fence, built to protect the U.S. border with Mexico.

Now that a billion dollars were spent on the project, Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announces the program has officially been scrapped. All work has been stopped.

She's finding support for the decision in some surprising places.

The total cost of the fence was supposed to be $7 billion. That's about $3.5 million a mile. So far, 53 miles have been built. The price tag, $1 billion -- or $19 million a mile. That puts the project more than $30 billion over budget.

Two of Arizona's top sheriffs are not sad to see the fence go.

It was no secret that this program was failing. Everyone, from members of Congress, down to the sheriff's here in Arizona knew it.

The sheriffs we talked are happy Washington finally pulled the plug. Janet Napolitano canceled the contract with Boeing, saying the program cannot meet its objective.

"They should have stopped it a long time ago," says Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. He has been a vocal opponent of the program, calling it a waste of money.

"We've got to make it simple. I've have said time and time again what is needed -- not only the deployment of soldiers but to build a very simple double barrier fence."

Only 53 miles of the Arizona border is currently covered by the virtual fence. Now, Homeland Security will focus on using existing technology, like unmanned aerial drones.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio is weighing in too.

"I think the way to stop this problem is to enforce the illegal immigration laws in the interior of this country, and not always push this blame on the border."

The new approach will be cheaper. It's expected to cost $250 million less than the virtual fence.

Part of the new strategy is to allow each border region to customize their enforcement to their needs -- no more one-size-fits-all approach.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/wo ... -1-17-2011

Sheriff Joe Arpaio is weighing in too.

"I think the way to stop this problem is to enforce the illegal immigration laws in the interior of this country, and not always push this blame on the border."

Good point! Everyone knows if they get past the BP Agents you're safe here unless you're arrested for something other than entering the country illegally. If interior enforcement occurred there would be far fewer coming here illegally.

We need federal E-Verify !

Added to Homepage:
http://www.alipac.us/article-6004--0-0.html

It is horrible that it costs $19,000,000 per mile to secure a border for a virtual fence!

What is meant by virtual - the other 1947 miles that has yet to be built?

Keep it simple. A pickup truck patroling a mile section, 24 x 7 seems pretty simple. Hiring a few people at minimum wage to patrol a mile section 24/7 to report activity to the BP does not seem too outragous and would seem less expensive than $19,000,000 per mile.

I hunt with a scope on a 1/4 section of land and not much gets pass me. Wonders what you can see with a good spotting scope. Granted it is mostly open land with a few wooded sections. If the shot is too long, then I know where to look next time.

Is it really that hard to secure the border and have someone, at a minimum, report activity to the BP for apprehension?

Just curious, because I am not familer with the terrain and envision it to be mainly desert?

Regards.