Thread: Immigration backlash: EP could feel push of operations

Immigration backlash: EP could feel push of operations
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 10/29/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT


It appears El Paso could continue to feel backlash effects from pressing border issues due to an inactive, ineffective Congress.

The latest is a U.S. Border Patrol plan to criminally prosecute and incarcerate all undocumented immigrants -- but not in our sector. That could lead to more undocumented immigrants reaching the U.S. through El Paso.

Earlier, the Mexican government's stepped up -- and much-needed -- efforts to curb drug cartel operations in violence-plagued Nuevo Laredo had observers thinking that move would simply push drug crimes our way. It was at about the same time that tightened security began on our international bridges, causing major crossing delays often lasting two or more hours.

There's not much we can do about this latest clampdown on immigration other than hope Congress can enact fair laws soon.

Agents along the Texas border, except here, have begun the zero-tolerance "Operation Streamline," designed to scare away illegal border crossers. Those apprehended will be charged and face up to 180 days behind bars. Then they'd be deported. That means they risk prison time if they come back illegally and they'd have no future course toward citizenship. That policy began in Laredo, Texas, Friday and has already begun in Del Rio, Texas and Yuma, Ariz.

Here, undocumented immigrants are held for a short time and returned to Mexico. There are cases of persons being apprehended and returned to Mexico dozens of times.

Border Patrol spokesman Ramiro Cordero said that "Streamline" is not a national operation, it's driven by needs of each border sector. "That wasn't here," Cordero said.
Michael Green, speaking on behalf of U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas, said that "Streamline" will "reduce immigration and drug smuggling."

Yes, perhaps in Laredo, Del Rio and Yuma.

But it will force more undocumented immigrants into our area.

Congress needs to act so there is one set of laws for everyone.


http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_7307067

It's ironic to hear El Paso whine about the number of illegal aliens, considering every other person in the city is one. They are a sanctuary and that is exactly why El Paso will not volunteer to take on a similar opperation.

Dixie

My company has a big center that has just moved to El Paso. The mexicans cross the border everyday to work at jobs that used to be in Salt Lake City.