Border Patrol agent explains why gates are left open on border fence in El Paso
Border Patrol agent explains why gates are left open on border fence in El Paso
by Jala Washington
Monday, April 15th 2019
Border Patrol agent explains why gates are left open on border fence in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Gates can be seen open along the border fence in downtown El Paso, but when you see this, Border Patrol said it has to do with working toward making our border more secure.
Construction continues along the U.S.-Mexico border near downtown El Paso.
“Four miles of bollard cost $22 million,” said Border Patrol Agent Carlos Antunez.
In order to build a stronger, more resistant fence, Antunez said agents sometimes leave gates open for construction workers.
“It all depends on the agent that’s there,” said Antunez.
As KFOX14 drove up and down the border on Monday afternoon, our team witnessed migrants turning themselves over to Border Patrol.
Though Antunez said most migrants are approaching agents, a few others are still trying to flee.
Antunez said smugglers are taking advantage.
“So, that’s where they’re exploiting us, by sending smaller groups of people that don’t want to get apprehended to areas that we’ve left pretty much vulnerable,” said Antunez.
Antunez admits an agent might leave one spot to go help with apprehensions somewhere else, and the gate might still be open.
But that doesn't mean the spot isn't being watched.
“The cameras are our eyes in the sky, so at least we know and some agents can break off,” said Antunez.
Antunez said they have people in a camera room monitoring all across the border.
“Even though the gate is open, we also have a Border Patrol agent who apprehended four illegal aliens,” said Antunez.
The situation is not ideal for agents. Antunez said they’re doing what they can with the resources they have.
Antunez said construction on the new border fence along the downtown area should be done by the end of this month.
https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/border...nce-in-el-paso
