Texas congressman tours border near Douglas

Posted: Mar 25, 2011 9:54 PM
Updated: Mar 26, 2011 12:26 PM

DOUGLAS - U.S. Representative Ted Poe of Texas toured the southern Arizona border Friday.

He met with border ranchers and Border Patrol officials in meetings all organized by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords office.

Cochise County rancher Gary Thrasher led a tour of about 10 miles of border fence east of Douglas. Republican Ted Poe said what he saw was surprising.

"I was surprised I didn't see any border patrol agents for the 10 miles that we took up and down in front of the fence here," Poe said.

Despite a recent news conference held by the Border Patrol claiming their highest levels of security yet, Thrasher said what he sees is different.

"The border is safer in town, but when you get out into these rural areas, it's not any safer than it's been. It's a big open door for anybody that wants to bring anything in the United States or be anywhere in the United States in 3 days," he said.

Congressman Poe also met with Sue Krentz, the widow of rancher Rob Krentz, who was murdered on their ranch a year ago.

Poe said he plans to work with Congresswoman Giffords office to develop legislation that will get more boots on the ground directly along the fence.

http://www.kvoa.com/news/texas-congress ... r-douglas/