Border fence construction continues
By Kevin Buey/Headlight Staff
Posted: 11/24/2008 12:00:00 AM MST


Fencing construction along the U.S.-Mexico border continues in Luna County, part of a Department of Homeland Security project begun several months ago.

The current vehicle fencing — post-on-rail construction — is a 12.8-mile project between monument 33 and 39.

"As part of that," says Doug Mosier, a U.S. Border Patrol spokesman in El Paso, "there is construction of access roads, trenching and associated activities."

The land designations are west of the Columbus Port of Entry. Monument 40 is at the New Mexico-Arizona border.

The USBP reports fencing construction and acquisition of other resources in southern Luna County has contributed to a 67 percent decline in apprehension of illegal immigrants, the combined resources resulting in fewer attempts to enter the country illegally.

Completion of 6.07 miles of pedestrian fencing near the Columbus Port of entry has been credited in a 60 percent drop in apprehensions in that corridor from 2007 to 2008.

The completion of fencing in the Santa Teresa area has allowed deployment of some agents to other locations.

"It is clear that the implementation of infrastructure in targeted areas of New Mexico has had a tremendous impact on reducing the volume of apprehensions in those areas," said Victor M. Manjarrez Jr., the El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent. New Mexico and West Texas are in the El Paso Sector.

The Department of Homeland Security is building 370 miles of fencing along the southern border, expecting project completion by the year's end, the USBP reports. Fencing alone is not considered to achieve effective control of our nation's borders. The USBP says fences have proven efficient and cost-effective.

The El Paso Sector is amid a project constructing 80 miles of vehicle fencing in New Mexico and approximately 56 miles of pedestrian fencing in New Mexico and Texas. Anticipated completion date is Dec. 31. The USBP National Strategy calls for the proper mix of personnel, technology and infrastructure, providing effective control of our nation's borders.

Kevin Buey can be reached at kbuey@demingheadlight.com.
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