http://sun.yumasun.com/artman/publish/a ... _29418.php -


Violence against agents up 59 percent over fiscal year 2005

FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jan 17, 2007, 10:23 pm





Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2006, Yuma sector Border Patrol agents have been the victims of border violence 86 times — a 59 percent increase compared to 51 incidents during the same period the year prior, according to a news release.

However, total apprehensions of illegal immigrants at the Yuma Sector was one of two ports along the southern U.S. border to experience a significant decline.

During the last three months of 2006, Yuma agents made 9,320 apprehensions — a 63 percent decrease from the same period the year prior.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection state that this is an indication that the Border Patrol is becoming better equipped to respond to and resolve border security threats between the ports of entry, according to a news release.

Total apprehensions along the southern border from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 dropped from 207,197 last year to 158,818 this year.

According to the release, under the Secure Border Initiative, CBP continues to enhance border security through a comprehensive approach of implementing innovative programs to include the expansion of expedited removal, Operation Streamline and Operation Jumpstart as well as hiring additional Border Patrol agents, up to 6,000 by the end of 2008. The continued use of cutting-edge technology, tactical infrastructure and CBP's increased ability to detain other-than-Mexican's, further augments our border security mission.