Thread: Crackdown on border crossers expanding to Laredo sector

Crackdown on border crossers expanding to Laredo sector


Associated Press - October 19, 2007 5:45 AM ET

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) - Officials say a federal law enforcement program to press charges against all illegal border crossers will be expanded to the Border Patrol's Laredo sector.

The zero-tolerance program is credited with reducing immigrant traffic and freeing up agents to combat drug smugglers since it was implemented in the Del Rio and Yuma, Arizona, sectors.

Under the "Streamline Laredo" program, illegal crossers will be jailed and then processed for deportation.

Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman Andrea Zortman says authorities believe the program will help combat illegal crossers who have been pushed over from the Del Rio area.

A federal court official in Laredo says the surge in cases will add to an already inundated legal system.

http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7236009&nav=1TjD

They better stop those buses at the international bridge