Thread: Texas Lt. Governor Tours Border, Debriefed On Security Effor

Texas Lt. Governor Tours Border, Debriefed On Security Efforts
Dena Richardson/KFOX News Reporter

Posted: 5:10 pm MDT April 26, 2010Updated: 9:04 pm MDT April 26, 2010

EL PASO, Texas -- Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst toured the U.S.-Mexico border in a Department of Public Safety helicopter on Monday and took part in a debriefing from city, county, state and federal agencies that are assigned to protect the border.

"I wanted to see how our quarter of a billion of dollars of investment is working," said Dewhurst.

More than $230 million in state funding has been appropriated for border security resources since 2007. But Dewhurst was ready to acknowledge that even more resources are wanted.

"My piece of paper is full with a want list from the city, the county," said Dewhurst. "And we're going to go back and take a look at all those items."

The wish list may be the result of new concerns about a surge in transnational gang activity in Texas and the growing fear of violence spilling over into the borderland.

"If need be, on occasion, we [may] activate our cross-border spillover violence plan, which we have for each border sector," said Steve McCraw, director of DPS. "And we may surge DPS strike teams. The strike teams would come down here and support our local partners."

McCraw said any spillover violence thus far has been limited to those involved in the drug trade. Still Dewhurst said he realizes it is a growing concern among Texans living along the border.

"We need to do everything we can to shut that border down and stop people from coming across the border who would do harm to my fellow Texans," said Dewhurst.

Dewhurst said his visit to El Paso will help him make sure additional funds are allocated for more DPS presence along the border.

Some state leaders have criticized lawmakers in Washington for not doing enough to protect the U.S.-Mexico border. Among those, Arizona lawmakers who recently passed a controversial illegal immigration law that allows officers to question citizenship if they find "reasonable suspicion." And the Arizona Governor has called on the national government to provide $30-million dollars in funding.

Meanwhile, Dewhurst said Texas is stepping up to the plate on its own.

"We get frustrated from time to time when we don't think the federal government is doing enough," said Dewhurst. "But Texans can take it to the bank, literally. They're doing everything they can to make sure our border is secure and all Texans are safe."

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/23271606/detail.html

Originally Posted by jean

Meanwhile, Dewhurst said Texas is stepping up to the plate on its own.

"We get frustrated from time to time when we don't think the federal government is doing enough," said Dewhurst. "But Texans can take it to the bank, literally. They're doing everything they can to make sure our border is secure and all Texans are safe."

Dewhurst, Texans are tired of all the tours to the border on our dime. What more is there to see? Everyone in the Texas Congress has been there several times including Rick Perry. You still do nothing but talk. Yes, the Border Patrol is doing all they can, but it is YOU in Austin that is doing nothing to help. They need help! What part of that don't YOU understand.

"I wanted to see how our quarter of a billion of dollars of investment is working," said Dewhurst.

You want to see how well it's working! You're at the wrong end! Go to downtown El Paso and take a look around. That will tell you all you need to know.

I suppose a helicopter ride is more fun and makes for great press.