Giffords: Southern Arizona border security is unacceptable
Guest Opinion

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Gabrielle Giffords
April 25, 2007

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One of the most challenging problems I have inherited as the new representative from Arizona’s 8th Congressional District is the wide gaping hole that we have in our border security. After closely examining the deficient inspection infrastructure we have in Arizona compared with other border states, I am not surprised that the Tucson (Border Patrol) Sector has more drugs seized and illegal immigrants apprehended than any other sector bordering Mexico. Last week in Yuma, President Bush stated that “people are coming to work...to put food on the table.” I believe that to be true. I remain concerned, however, that U.S. Border Patrol agents in Southern Arizona apprehend an average of 2,670 pounds of drugs and 2,000 undocumented individuals every day. This is a serious problem that must be addressed.

Considering the volume of activity and the vast desert areas along our 261-mile border with Mexico that are difficult to monitor, we have no idea how much contraband or how many people are actually coming across. Tucson has become the largest land corridor in the country for marijuana and the most heavily used route in the nation for undocumented immigrants. Arizonans have paid the price with increased costs to our law enforcement agencies, our healthcare system and our schools. While all of Arizona requires additional border security measures, some communities are affected more than others. The current makeshift checkpoint on Interstate 19 just north of Tubac creates an intolerable situation for nearby residents. Human and drug smugglers know this set up is a flimsy security measure that can be easily circumvented or penetrated. As smugglers attempt to go around the checkpoint, traveling through neighborhoods and ranches, there has been an increase in violence and crime. Residents, tourists and business people have also been inconvenienced by the checkpoint in Tubac because it pinches the road down to a single lane and there is no place for cars or trucks to pull over for a secondary inspection.

A federal law that prohibited Arizona’s development of a permanent checkpoint in Southern Arizona was rejected by the U.S. House of Representatives last year. However, at my request U.S. Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar agreed that no permanent checkpoint will be planned for the Tucson sector without significant and direct community involvement. Southern Arizonans must work with our law enforcement agencies to create a plan for securing our borders and reducing the violence against citizens and immigrants. On April 3, more than 200 community members attended a forum in Sahuarita to hear about Congress’ efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation and to learn how a permanent checkpoint would differ from the temporary one near Tubac. Faith leaders, business leaders, Good Samaritans, and anti-immigration advocates all had an opportunity to ask questions and express their views to me, Chief Aguilar and the new Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector, Robert Gilbert. We have agreed to form a working group of residents along the I-19 Corridor to collaboratively decide what future security measures need to look like.

A permanent checkpoint on I-19 can only be successful in reducing the total number of drugs and undocumented individuals if several additional measures are taken. These measures include active community involvement in the planning for the checkpoint and an overall network of border security technology that includes surveillance cameras, an array of sensors and vehicle x-ray technology similar to what exists at our ports of entry.

The Secure Border Initiative electronic surveillance network (SBInet) that will be installed in June across 28 miles of border near Sasabe is a good start to this use of technology in our state. As the congresswoman representing Southeastern Arizona, it is my responsibility to make sure that we have all of the possible tools and technologies to secure our border, protect our citizens, and promote a healthy business environment.

I believe strongly that decisions are best made at the local level. The recent change in federal legislation provides citizens and law enforcement officials an opportunity to work collaboratively to protect our communities and foster a secure and vibrant economy.

http://www.explorernews.com/article/show/18493