News Brief: Border Security
The report that illegal immigrants crossing the US southern border has diminished since the President’s plan to strengthen border security began seems a little short on proof. That is to say the explanation given makes some unreasonable assumptions. If you are apprehending fewer illegal immigrants that does not, by itself, prove there are fewer crossings. It could mean they’re crossing somewhere else.
Drug traffic seized being characterized as a 51% increase also does not necessarily mean more drugs are being intercepted. Most reports on “drug war” performance in the past included an overall estimate that efforts in total likely reduced traffic by 10 or 15%. One could conclude that a 51% increase in drugs seized means 51% more is getting through. Although not good for the enforcement personnel, drug gangs in Mexico are putting bounties on law enforcement officers and the Guard troops. That may mean the interdiction is providing results. But that is the problem. How can you tell? And this report does not help much.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Illegal Crossings Drop On US-Mexico Border
YUMA, Ariz., Feb. 15, 2007(Christian Science Monitor)
This article was written by Faye Bowers.
One phrase sums up both the chief achievement and complaint of National Guard soldiers and airmen posted along this dusty strip of border with Mexico: “Nothing happening.”
That’s good news for Operation Jumpstart, President Bush’s eight-month-old initiative to reinforce America’s southern border with National Guard troops until enough Border Patrol agents are trained. The extra troops appear to be discouraging people from trying to cross illegally.