http://www.krtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4907879

Border Patrol union chief denounces National Guard plan as political ploy

LOS ANGELES The head of the union representing Border Patrol officers says deployment of National Guard troops to the border is a political move designed to counter criticism of lax enforcement.

T-J Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, believes Guard troops can provide extra eyes, but won't be involved in making arrests.

Bonner says President Bush is trying to "appease" his critics, who Bonner says have "every right to be critical of his non-enforcement policy."

Bonner believes the government wants the cheap immigrant labor "at any cost" and is trying to justify creation of a guest worker program. He says the Senate's consideration of an amnesty program for illegal immigrants already in the U-S has resulted in "a flood" of people trying to get in as soon as possible.