Senators McCain and Kyl push for enhanced border security
Posted: Apr 13, 2011 10:50 AM CDT
Updated: Apr 13, 2011 10:50 AM CDT

Video: Senator McCain talks about new plan to secure border
6:53

Reporter: Ian Reitz

TUCSON (KGUN-TV) - U.S. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl will introduce an enhanced 10-point border security plan on Wednesday. Among other items, the "Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011" calls for the deployment of up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator McCain tells 9 On Your Side he also wants to see 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border by 2016.

During a live interview with KGUN 9 On Your Side's Ian Reitz, U.S. Senator McCain stressed the need for more boots on the ground along the border.

"It is very clear that we need the National Guard down there. The training is good for them. They enjoy that environment. Most importantly while we continue to hire Border Patrol they fill a much needed role," said Senator McCain.

9 On Your Side's Ian Reitz asked Senator McCain if he would be happy with a compromise on some of the figures proposed, specifically the call to deploy 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

"No, these are really the minimum that we think are required. Border security and the security of our citizens is really the first obligation of government...the security of our citizens. This is, what we think, is a reasonable number. There are others who argue that we need much more. We think the combination of technology, physical barriers and personnel can get our border secure. We are confident of that," responded Senator McCain.

The 10-point plan also calls for funding 500 additional Customs inspectors and increasing funding to Operation Streamline, a program that puts illegal border crossers behind bars for up to sixty days. Also included in the legislation is a call for increased surveillance systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) along several locations.

Click here to read the full bill.
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.c ... ba7eb38401


http://www.kgun9.com/story/14438382/sen ... ected=true