Chief Surrenders Laredo
"Not Equipped to Stop Illegal Immigrants"








As I See It -- by Glenn Spencer
Laredo Morning Times
BP eyes terrorism, area chief declares
Border Patrol agents don't have the responsibility of apprehending illegal immigrants, Carlos X. Carrillo, chief patrol agent for the Laredo sector, said at a town hall meeting Wednesday."The Border Patrol is not equipped to stop illegal immigrants," Carrillo said, noting that illegal narcotics are also not on the agents priority list.
"The Border Patrol mission is not to do any of those things," he emphasized.



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ENTIRE ARTICLE
BP eyes terrorism, area chief declares


By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
08/16/2007


Border Patrol agents dont have the responsibility of apprehending illegal immigrants, Carlos X. Carrillo, chief patrol agent for the Laredo sector, said at a town hall meeting Wednesday."The Border Patrol is not equipped to stop illegal immigrants," Carrillo said, noting that illegal narcotics are also not on the agents priority list.

"The Border Patrol mission is not to do any of those things," he emphasized.


The Border Patrols mission is to keep the country safe from terrorist and terrorist weapons, he said. Carrillo added that when and if terrorists come into the country, the agents will be ready.


During a presentation to about 50 people, he also explained the different deployment tactics agents use to identify who crosses the border.

A hot issue during the meeting was the construction of a fence along the Rio Grande.

Carrillo said the Carrizo cane along the river is an environmental challenge. He said that before enforcing any type of fence, the Carrizo canes need to be addressed, allowing agents to patrol and spot traffic in the river.

Mayor Raul Salinas spoke to the audience about using taxpayer money to build a fence.

"I want a secure border, but I want more common sense," Salinas said, adding that the fence would affect relations with Mexico.

A concerned citizen asked about deterrence.

Carrillo said deterrence comes from working with the community. He added that having a certain number of agents working an area indicates to the community their presence in the area.


A concerned citizen, who lives on property about 34 miles out of Laredo on Interstate 35, said she has seen from 20 to 50 illegal immigrants daily. She said agents have addressed the situation before, but they can only do so much and the situation continues.

Carrillo responded that the Border Patrol will look into the issue.


To report any suspicious activity, Carrillo said, residents should contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement at (800) 973-2867.






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