AZMEX F&F EXTRA 30 MAY 2016
Note: Mexican Lives Don't Matter ? ( Hispanic / Latino ? )
It is estimated that the death toll of Mexican citizens from the obama administration scheme is far higher, probably now over 1,000. Also far more that one hundred weapons.
69 more killed thru Obama's Fast and Furious
Michael F. Haverluck,
OneNewsNow.com May 30, 2016 at 6:49 am 5 Fresh Ink
s
http://www.onenewsnow.com/politics-govt/2016/05/28/69-more-killed-thru-obamas-fast-and-furious
File - (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The death toll from the Obama administration's notorious Fast and Furious covert program to track down weapons to Mexican drug cartels now stands at 200 after another 69 deaths were reported by a watchdog group based in the nation's capital.
President Barack Obama's botched federal sting operation hit another low as more massacres — one of which left 22 dead — have been reported by Judicial Watch, which maintains that at least 69 more people have been killed by firearms that his plan put into criminals' hands before disappearing.
Horrible track record
According to Judicial Watch, the Obama administration is responsible for arming gangsters south of the border with nearly a hundred weapons.
"[A] total of 94 Fast and Furious firearms have been recovered in Mexico City and 12 Mexican states, with the majority being seized in Sonora, Chihuahua and Sinaloa," the watchdog group out of Washington, D.C., announced. "Of the weapons recovered, 82 were rifles and 12 were pistols identified as having been part of the Fast and Furious program. Reports suggest the Fast and Furious guns are tied to at least 69 killings."
For years, Fast and Furious has drawn media attention for its failed operations.
"The gun-running operation drew attention when it was revealed that Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed in a 2010 firefight with Mexican bandits armed with a weapon that originated with Fast and Furious," WND reports. "Judicial Watch said that from December 2012 to March 2014, 94 Fast and Furious weapons were seized, including one found in the hideout of drug lord 'Chapo' Guzman."
Links to Guzman's infamous ring resurfaced again this year, when a .50-calibur rifle was confiscated during his re-arrest at the criminal mastermind's hideout in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, on January 11.
"Fast and Furious was a Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 'gunrunning' operation in which the Obama administration allowed guns to be sold to Mexican drug cartels in the hope the weapons would be recovered at crime scenes," Judicial Watch's report continued. "Fast and Furious weapons have been implicated in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and hundreds of other innocents in Mexico. Prior reports tie Fast and Furious weapons to at least 200 deaths in Mexico alone."
The watchdog group maintains that "violent recoveries" were needed to recover 20 of the Obama administration's guns, including a 7.62mm rifle that was seized during a massacre where 22 were fatally shot in Tlatlaya, Estado de Mexico, on June 30, 2014. A gun battle taking place last year on May 22 in Rancho el Sol, Michoacán, ended up with 42 alleged drug cartel criminals being fatally shot — along with a Mexican federal police officer — when a couple of 7.62mm rifles were confiscated.
More problems
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton revealed details it received as a result of its March 17 request made about the DOJ's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — information that was attained under the Freedom of Information Act.
"These documents show President Obama's legacy includes one of gunrunning and violence in Fast and Furious," Fitton announced. "As the production of documents from the ATF continues, we expect to see even further confirmation of Obama's disgraced former Attorney General Eric Holder's prediction that Fast and Furious guns will be used in crimes for years to come."
There is no indication that the White House will be in the clear any time soon when it comes to its failed sting operation.
"Earlier this year a federal appeals court ruled the Obama administration could not necessarily keep private certain documents that could shed light on some unclear matters," WND informed in February. "A federal appeals court overturned a lower court's determination that shielded eight documents related to the government program from congressional and public view."
Obama's Fast and Furious operation can expect to be under additional fire as Judicial Watch continues to take more actions to expose more of its fatal flaws.
END
Monday, May 30, 2016
AZMEX UPDATE2 25-5-16
AZMEX UPDATE2 25 MAY 2016
Border Patrol Locked out of Indian Reservation Known for Mexican Drug Trafficking
MAY 24, 2016
http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2016/05/border-patrol-locked-indian-reservation-known-mexican-drug-trafficking/
TweetUpdate: a few hours after Judicial Watch posted this story, Border Patrol officials in Arizona reported that the road has been reopened.
An Indian reservation along the Mexican border is prohibiting the Border Patrol from entering its land, which is a notorious smuggling corridor determined by the U.S. government to be a "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)." Homeland Security sources tell Judicial Watch that the road in the southeast corner of the reservation has been cordoned off by a barbed wired gate to keep officers out. A hand-written cardboard sign reading "Closed, Do Not Open" has been posted on the fence. "This is the location used most for trafficking drugs into the country," a Border Patrol source told JW, adding that agents assigned to the area are "livid."
The tribe, Tohono O'odham, created the barricade a few weeks ago, Border Patrol sources tell JW, specifically to keep agents out of the reservation which is located in the south central Arizona Sonoran Desert and shares about 75 miles of border with Mexico. The reservation terrain consists largely of mountains and desert making it difficult to patrol. For years it has appeared on the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) HIDTA list because it's a significant center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation and distribution. The reservation is a primary transshipment zone for methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana destined for the United States, a DEA official revealed in congressional testimony a few years ago. In 2015 Arizona led all four Border Patrol sectors in drug seizures with 928,858 pounds of drugs confiscated, according to agency figures.
The relationship between the Border Patrol and the tribe has been stormy over the years, with accusations of human rights violations by federal agents and allegations that the agents' presence has implemented a police state. Though only 75 miles runs along the Mexican border, the reservation is about 2.8 million acres or roughly the size of Connecticut and has about 30,000 members. The tribe's official website says that nine of its communities are located in Mexico and they are separated by the United States/Mexico border. "In fact, the U.S.-Mexico border has become an artificial barrier to the freedom of the Tohono O'odham," the tribe claims. "On countless occasions, the U.S. Border Patrol has detained and deported members of the Tohono O'odham Nation who were simply traveling through their own traditional lands, practicing migratory traditions essential to their religion, economy and culture. Similarly, on many occasions U.S. Customs have prevented Tohono O'odham from transporting raw materials and goods essential for their spirituality, economy and traditional culture. Border officials are also reported to have confiscated cultural and religious items, such as feathers of common birds, pine leaves or sweet grass."
A New York Times story published years ago explained that tightening of border security to the east and west after the 9/11 terrorist attacks funneled more drug traffic through the Tohono O'odham reservation. This created a need for more Border Patrol officers to be deployed to the crime-infested area. The article also revealed that tribe members are complicit in the trafficking business. "Hundreds of tribal members have been prosecuted in federal, state or tribal courts for smuggling drugs or humans, taking offers that reach $5,000 for storing marijuana or transporting it across the reservation," the article states. "In a few families, both parents have been sent to prison, leaving grandparents to raise the children." The drug smugglers work mainly for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, the piece revealed.
Nevertheless, federal officers have been told by Homeland Security superiors that they can't cut the new wire fence obstacle to access the reservation even though it sits in the Border Patrol's busiest drug sector. Perhaps the U.S. government can use money to force compliance. The Tohono O'odham recently got a huge chunk of change from Uncle Sam, $2.75 million, to build single-family homes for its largely poor tribe members. Maybe the feds can withhold future allocations for the tribe's various projects until it allows Border Patrol officers to do their job. In the meantime, a veteran Arizona law enforcement officer who's worked in the region for decades says "a little wire and a small gate can cause huge security problems."
END
Border Patrol Locked out of Indian Reservation Known for Mexican Drug Trafficking
MAY 24, 2016
http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2016/05/border-patrol-locked-indian-reservation-known-mexican-drug-trafficking/
TweetUpdate: a few hours after Judicial Watch posted this story, Border Patrol officials in Arizona reported that the road has been reopened.
An Indian reservation along the Mexican border is prohibiting the Border Patrol from entering its land, which is a notorious smuggling corridor determined by the U.S. government to be a "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)." Homeland Security sources tell Judicial Watch that the road in the southeast corner of the reservation has been cordoned off by a barbed wired gate to keep officers out. A hand-written cardboard sign reading "Closed, Do Not Open" has been posted on the fence. "This is the location used most for trafficking drugs into the country," a Border Patrol source told JW, adding that agents assigned to the area are "livid."
The tribe, Tohono O'odham, created the barricade a few weeks ago, Border Patrol sources tell JW, specifically to keep agents out of the reservation which is located in the south central Arizona Sonoran Desert and shares about 75 miles of border with Mexico. The reservation terrain consists largely of mountains and desert making it difficult to patrol. For years it has appeared on the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) HIDTA list because it's a significant center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation and distribution. The reservation is a primary transshipment zone for methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana destined for the United States, a DEA official revealed in congressional testimony a few years ago. In 2015 Arizona led all four Border Patrol sectors in drug seizures with 928,858 pounds of drugs confiscated, according to agency figures.
The relationship between the Border Patrol and the tribe has been stormy over the years, with accusations of human rights violations by federal agents and allegations that the agents' presence has implemented a police state. Though only 75 miles runs along the Mexican border, the reservation is about 2.8 million acres or roughly the size of Connecticut and has about 30,000 members. The tribe's official website says that nine of its communities are located in Mexico and they are separated by the United States/Mexico border. "In fact, the U.S.-Mexico border has become an artificial barrier to the freedom of the Tohono O'odham," the tribe claims. "On countless occasions, the U.S. Border Patrol has detained and deported members of the Tohono O'odham Nation who were simply traveling through their own traditional lands, practicing migratory traditions essential to their religion, economy and culture. Similarly, on many occasions U.S. Customs have prevented Tohono O'odham from transporting raw materials and goods essential for their spirituality, economy and traditional culture. Border officials are also reported to have confiscated cultural and religious items, such as feathers of common birds, pine leaves or sweet grass."
A New York Times story published years ago explained that tightening of border security to the east and west after the 9/11 terrorist attacks funneled more drug traffic through the Tohono O'odham reservation. This created a need for more Border Patrol officers to be deployed to the crime-infested area. The article also revealed that tribe members are complicit in the trafficking business. "Hundreds of tribal members have been prosecuted in federal, state or tribal courts for smuggling drugs or humans, taking offers that reach $5,000 for storing marijuana or transporting it across the reservation," the article states. "In a few families, both parents have been sent to prison, leaving grandparents to raise the children." The drug smugglers work mainly for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, the piece revealed.
Nevertheless, federal officers have been told by Homeland Security superiors that they can't cut the new wire fence obstacle to access the reservation even though it sits in the Border Patrol's busiest drug sector. Perhaps the U.S. government can use money to force compliance. The Tohono O'odham recently got a huge chunk of change from Uncle Sam, $2.75 million, to build single-family homes for its largely poor tribe members. Maybe the feds can withhold future allocations for the tribe's various projects until it allows Border Patrol officers to do their job. In the meantime, a veteran Arizona law enforcement officer who's worked in the region for decades says "a little wire and a small gate can cause huge security problems."
END
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
AZMEX UPDATE 24-5-16
AZMEX UPDATE 24 MAY 2016
Arizona sheriff warns Memorial Day travelers of Mexican cartel assassins
KTAR.COM | May 24, 2016 @ 5:40 am
http://ktar.com/story/1085817/arizona-sheriff-warns-memorial-day-travelers-of-mexican-cartel-assassins/
(Pinal County Sheriff's Office Photos)
PHOENIX — An Arizona sheriff is warning Memorial Day travelers about the dangers posed by professional assassins hired by the Mexican drug cartels.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a Monday release it was informed the cartels are likely sending the assassins — referred to as "sicarios" — to take out crews who are attempting to steal drug shipments from the cartels in smuggling corridors.
"We are taking this threat seriously and believe that the public and my deputies deserve to know that there is an elevated risk of encountering gun violence in certain areas of Pinal County," Sheriff Paul Babeu said in a press release.
Babeu went on to say he is concerned that potential violence between the assassins and those looking to steal drugs could harm "innocent Americans and my deputies."
Babeu said people who choose to celebrate Memorial Day in Pinal County's western deserts should be armed in the instance they come across smugglers or sicarios.
PCSO said it has received reports of multiple shootouts between rival gangs south of its jurisdiction. It also said it arrested 21 cartel scouts and numerous smugglers last year.
The agency add that the last time it received similar information about a brewing feud in Pinal County, it found two dead cartel scouts on a mountain top.
end
Documents: Somali citizen tried to run over border agents in southern Arizona
Katie Conner
7:21 AM, May 23, 2016
48 mins ago
southern arizona
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/other/documents-somali-citizen-tried-to-run-over-border-agents-in-southern-arizona
A Somali citizen tried to run over Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona after a high speed pursuit, according to federal investigators.
In April, investigators say Ahmed Elni Abdalla drove up to a checkpoint near Amado. When agents approached Abdalla's car, he drove through the stop sign and tried to get away at a "high rate of speed".
The high-speed pursuit continued up to Green Valley where agents were able to box in Abdalla's car.
However, Abdalla allegedly refused to get out. When agents tried to break his car window, Abdalla drove right at agents who had to "jump out of the way in order to avoid being hit," according to federal paperwork.
In December, another Somali citizen was detained by Border Patrol agents. Investigators say Omar Haji Mohamed was paid to help sneak people across the U.S. Border.
END
Also: http://www.abc15.com/news/state/somali-citizen-paid-to-help-sneak-people-across-us-border
Arizona sheriff warns Memorial Day travelers of Mexican cartel assassins
KTAR.COM | May 24, 2016 @ 5:40 am
http://ktar.com/story/1085817/arizona-sheriff-warns-memorial-day-travelers-of-mexican-cartel-assassins/
(Pinal County Sheriff's Office Photos)
PHOENIX — An Arizona sheriff is warning Memorial Day travelers about the dangers posed by professional assassins hired by the Mexican drug cartels.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a Monday release it was informed the cartels are likely sending the assassins — referred to as "sicarios" — to take out crews who are attempting to steal drug shipments from the cartels in smuggling corridors.
"We are taking this threat seriously and believe that the public and my deputies deserve to know that there is an elevated risk of encountering gun violence in certain areas of Pinal County," Sheriff Paul Babeu said in a press release.
Babeu went on to say he is concerned that potential violence between the assassins and those looking to steal drugs could harm "innocent Americans and my deputies."
Babeu said people who choose to celebrate Memorial Day in Pinal County's western deserts should be armed in the instance they come across smugglers or sicarios.
PCSO said it has received reports of multiple shootouts between rival gangs south of its jurisdiction. It also said it arrested 21 cartel scouts and numerous smugglers last year.
The agency add that the last time it received similar information about a brewing feud in Pinal County, it found two dead cartel scouts on a mountain top.
end
Documents: Somali citizen tried to run over border agents in southern Arizona
Katie Conner
7:21 AM, May 23, 2016
48 mins ago
southern arizona
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/other/documents-somali-citizen-tried-to-run-over-border-agents-in-southern-arizona
A Somali citizen tried to run over Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona after a high speed pursuit, according to federal investigators.
In April, investigators say Ahmed Elni Abdalla drove up to a checkpoint near Amado. When agents approached Abdalla's car, he drove through the stop sign and tried to get away at a "high rate of speed".
The high-speed pursuit continued up to Green Valley where agents were able to box in Abdalla's car.
However, Abdalla allegedly refused to get out. When agents tried to break his car window, Abdalla drove right at agents who had to "jump out of the way in order to avoid being hit," according to federal paperwork.
In December, another Somali citizen was detained by Border Patrol agents. Investigators say Omar Haji Mohamed was paid to help sneak people across the U.S. Border.
END
Also: http://www.abc15.com/news/state/somali-citizen-paid-to-help-sneak-people-across-us-border
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
AZMEX SPECIAL 10-5-16
AZMEX SPECIAL 10 MAY 2016
Eye on border security: Panel address issues during congressional hearing
By David Rookhuyzen drookhuyzen@gvnews.com 4 hrs ago 0
David Rookhuyzen | Green Valley News
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/eye-on-border-security-panel-address-issues-during-congressional-hearing/article_2d0bdb78-16ed-11e6-a8ee-a79b0330e5d8.html
Art Del Cueto (right), president of the National Border Patrol Council Local 2544, speaks as part of a panel on a Congressional field hearing on border security Monday in Sahuarita with Douglas Mayor Danny Ortega (middle) and Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels.
Eye on border security
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally speaks with Nogales businessman Jaime Chamberlain (left) and Cochise County rancher Frank Krentz following a congressional hearing on border security held in Sahuarita on Monday.
The system is broken and no one knows quite how to fix it. But for now, the best solution is to get all possible ideas on the record.
That's the take-away Monday from a congressional field hearing on securing Arizona's southern border led by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally in Sahuarita. The three-hour hearing of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Safety, held in the town council chamber, consisted of one panel made up of law enforcement and elected officials and another of border residents and businesses.
Each panel member read a prepared statement and took questions from McSally and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce of New Mexico, whose district borders Arizona. Both are Republicans.
McSally said she was holding the hearing because of a disconnect on the issues between policymakers and people who live along the border. All the testimony from Monday was now on the Congressional record for her colleagues to review when making decisions on border security.
"Our intent was to bring Washington to Southern Arizona and bring perspective," she said.
Some of the topics from Monday:
Secure the border
Art Del Cueto, president of National Border Patrol Council Local 2544, said the agency is down roughly 5,000 agents from where it should be for its mission. The last time the number of agents was increased significantly, many were taken off the border and farmed out to other agencies. Del Cueto said the Border Patrol should have a defense-in-depth strategy and not put all the resources on the border itself.
"We are essentially playing goal-line defense every day," he said.
Dan Bell, a rancher near Nogales, said that having access to stretches of the border was key to enforcement. A two-mile road was just put in on his ranch along the border, but that took 10 years to accomplish, he said. "Getting to the border is paramount if one is to protect it," Bell said.
Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said the plan for border security needs to be redefined, taking what has worked from the past and retooling it for new challenges. He also was one of several who gave testimony that, in addition to any increase in Border Patrol agents, there needs to be an increase in prosecutions of illegal immigrants.
Frank Krentz, a Cochise County rancher whose father, Robert, was killed in 2010 by a suspected illegal immigrant, also said there needs to be judicial reform. He recounted stories of immigrants who know which court jurisdictions will treat them with more leniency if caught.
Commercial interests
A couple panel members wanted to make sure any increased border security would not hamper a bustling trade with Mexico.
Jaime Chamberlain, president of Nogales, Ariz.-based J-C Distributing Inc., said money should be put into improving the state's ports of entry to make them more effective and efficient. The recently upgraded Mariposa Port of Entry is understaffed, he said, keeping the local economy from booming.
Chamberlain also said securing the border and meeting commercial demands are not an either/or matter.
"Securing Danny Bell's ranch and Jaime Chamberlain's port of entry are equally important," he said.
Douglas Mayor Danny Ortega said 65 percent of his city's general fund comes from sales tax revenue, and 80 percent of sales come from those crossing the border to spend money in Arizona.
"We need to view the southern border as an asset and not a liability," he said.
Immigration reform
Though the hearing was focusing on border security, more than a few witnesses testified that security has to be coupled with an overhaul to the country's immigration system.
Ortega called for a streamlining of the process for Mexican citizens to obtain B1/B2 border crossing cards to cross into the U.S. to shop or visit.
Pastor Mark Adams with the bi-national ministry Frontera de Cristo, based in Douglas and Agua Prieta, Sonora, said 1990s immigration policies making it harder to cross between the two countries may have actually led to an increase in those entering the U.S. illegally. Those on the border have seen a shift between young men entering the country looking for work toward women and families doing so, he said.
Adams also called the tension between border security and immigration reform a "false" and "dangerous" dichotomy.
Nan Stockholm Walden, vice president and counsel for Farmers Investment Co., said border issues need a multi-layered approach and that the temporary worker system is broken. She advocated for ID cards with biometric markers and other means to allow those who want to work in the U.S. to do so.
"We are confusing Juan and Juanita, who just want to come here to work … with Juan the drug smuggler," she said.
Internal checkpoints
McSally asked each panel member about their thoughts on the use of internal Border Patrol checkpoints, such as the one on northbound Interstate 19 north of Tubac.
Del Cueto argued they serve a purpose and help deter illegal traffic. The Border Patrol knows that if someone manages to get through the border and then 10 miles into the U.S., the chances of catching them decreases.
"(The checkpoint agents) are not here to give anyone a hard time, they are here to do their job," he said.
Chamberlain called the checkpoints cumbersome, especially along a huge freight corridor such as I-19. He also said ruts are forming on the road where trucks are stopped and nearby property values are adversely affected. "I don't see the checkpoints being that effective," he said.
Stockholm Walden recommended roving checkpoints that shift time and place to better catch smugglers unawares.
Bell wasn't sold on the idea of checkpoints but didn't think it was a pressing issue.
"For now I think it's a necessity, but let's keep our focus on getting down to the border," he said.
end
Southern Arizonans call for secure border at Congressional field hearing
BY KATHY CLINE
May 10, 2016 @ 3:15 pm
(AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
PHOENIX — Southern Arizonans minced few words Monday as they called for a secure border during a Congressional field hearing held in the state.
"We have damage being done to our fences," Nogales rancher Dan Bell said. "Our watering facilities were damaged and drained. Our vehicles are stolen. Homes are broken into and valuables taken."
The hearing was hosted in Sahuarita by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, who represents the state's 2nd Congressional District, after the House passed a bill that allows for a full threat assessment of the nation's southern border. H.R. 4482 will also study trade and immigration.
"Contrary to what we've been told, the border is not secure," she said. "And the consequences of this failure are felt by our residents every day. That's why southern Arizonans' perspectives are so important."
Most people at the hearing agreed with McSally.
"Violence against innocent citizens, public officials, law enforcement and rival drug, human-trafficking groups continues to escalate," Cochise County Sheriff Mark Daniels said.
However, some urged officials to remember that no matter what steps they may consider or take, they will affect those who call the area home.
"It's home to me, and it's home to millions of others," pastor Mark Adams said. "Too often, the border has been seen as a place to defend, as a place to be afraid of.
"As you all undertake the task of making laws, and trying to oversee the policies that make our border secure, I really want to encourage you to remember that the border is home."
END
Border Patrol checkpoints focus of congressional field hearing
Monday, May 9th 2016, 3:56 pm MST
Monday, May 9th 2016, 6:39 pm MST
By Bud Foster, Reporter
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31929685/border-patrol-checkpoints-focus-of-congressional-field-hearing
SAHUARITA, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A field hearing on border security Monday, May 9, brought out many diverse opinions about how to secure the border without damaging commerce, but there seemed to be general consensus that the border checkpoints hurt more than they help.
The congressional hearing in Sahuarita was chaired by District 2 Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is chairwoman of the Maritime Security Subcommittee.
A diverse group of politicians and regular citizens testified that the checkpoints, which are located 22 miles from the border, act as an impediment to commercial trade and do little to enhance security.
"Used to be that I had to advertise for 45 days to make sure no American can do this job," says Nan Stockholm-Walden, Vice President of Farmers Investment Council. "Now it's 75 days."
Many times those crops, like grapes or strawberries, will perish in the field before they can be harvested.
"A lot of policies in Washington don't work so well in the real world," said Stockholm-Walden.
McSally says she has "heard all this before" but wants to make it part of the Congressional record in hopes of adding to information, which may change policy.
She wants her Washington colleagues to hear how people who live in southern Arizona have concerns about deploying agents 22 miles in, rather that at the border.
"The business community is concerned it's impacting their business, their flow of traffic and attracting new business to our community," she said.
McSally also argues the smugglers go around the checkpoints leaving nearby neighborhoods vulnerable.
"It's a public threat to them," she said.
It is the Border Patrol's policy of "defense in depth" that allows time to make stops and arrests when someone, including drug smugglers, make it across the border.
In an effort to avoid the fixed, permanent checkpoints, the criminals just go around them and rejoin their route on the other side.
Some say it's time for a new policy that stations border agents along the border to enhance the fence, which runs for more than 600 miles. But at the same time, massing the border agents in the ports of entry along the border will only slow down commerce, which is nearly $2 billion in Douglas, AZ alone.
Others call for a renewed effort for immigration reform.
"We've had 20 years of border walls, more agents, more helicopters, more roads and none of that has solved the problem," said Dan Mills, of the Sierra Club. "We need to start looking at the root causes."
He says the policy needs to change to encourage people "to come through the front door rather than sneaking in the back door."
Arizona and much of the nation relies on a quick delivery of goods, services and produce. Anything that delays that costs money.
The testimony from Monday's hearing will be part of the Congressional record.
END
Eye on border security: Panel address issues during congressional hearing
By David Rookhuyzen drookhuyzen@gvnews.com 4 hrs ago 0
David Rookhuyzen | Green Valley News
http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/eye-on-border-security-panel-address-issues-during-congressional-hearing/article_2d0bdb78-16ed-11e6-a8ee-a79b0330e5d8.html
Art Del Cueto (right), president of the National Border Patrol Council Local 2544, speaks as part of a panel on a Congressional field hearing on border security Monday in Sahuarita with Douglas Mayor Danny Ortega (middle) and Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels.
Eye on border security
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally speaks with Nogales businessman Jaime Chamberlain (left) and Cochise County rancher Frank Krentz following a congressional hearing on border security held in Sahuarita on Monday.
The system is broken and no one knows quite how to fix it. But for now, the best solution is to get all possible ideas on the record.
That's the take-away Monday from a congressional field hearing on securing Arizona's southern border led by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally in Sahuarita. The three-hour hearing of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Safety, held in the town council chamber, consisted of one panel made up of law enforcement and elected officials and another of border residents and businesses.
Each panel member read a prepared statement and took questions from McSally and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce of New Mexico, whose district borders Arizona. Both are Republicans.
McSally said she was holding the hearing because of a disconnect on the issues between policymakers and people who live along the border. All the testimony from Monday was now on the Congressional record for her colleagues to review when making decisions on border security.
"Our intent was to bring Washington to Southern Arizona and bring perspective," she said.
Some of the topics from Monday:
Secure the border
Art Del Cueto, president of National Border Patrol Council Local 2544, said the agency is down roughly 5,000 agents from where it should be for its mission. The last time the number of agents was increased significantly, many were taken off the border and farmed out to other agencies. Del Cueto said the Border Patrol should have a defense-in-depth strategy and not put all the resources on the border itself.
"We are essentially playing goal-line defense every day," he said.
Dan Bell, a rancher near Nogales, said that having access to stretches of the border was key to enforcement. A two-mile road was just put in on his ranch along the border, but that took 10 years to accomplish, he said. "Getting to the border is paramount if one is to protect it," Bell said.
Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said the plan for border security needs to be redefined, taking what has worked from the past and retooling it for new challenges. He also was one of several who gave testimony that, in addition to any increase in Border Patrol agents, there needs to be an increase in prosecutions of illegal immigrants.
Frank Krentz, a Cochise County rancher whose father, Robert, was killed in 2010 by a suspected illegal immigrant, also said there needs to be judicial reform. He recounted stories of immigrants who know which court jurisdictions will treat them with more leniency if caught.
Commercial interests
A couple panel members wanted to make sure any increased border security would not hamper a bustling trade with Mexico.
Jaime Chamberlain, president of Nogales, Ariz.-based J-C Distributing Inc., said money should be put into improving the state's ports of entry to make them more effective and efficient. The recently upgraded Mariposa Port of Entry is understaffed, he said, keeping the local economy from booming.
Chamberlain also said securing the border and meeting commercial demands are not an either/or matter.
"Securing Danny Bell's ranch and Jaime Chamberlain's port of entry are equally important," he said.
Douglas Mayor Danny Ortega said 65 percent of his city's general fund comes from sales tax revenue, and 80 percent of sales come from those crossing the border to spend money in Arizona.
"We need to view the southern border as an asset and not a liability," he said.
Immigration reform
Though the hearing was focusing on border security, more than a few witnesses testified that security has to be coupled with an overhaul to the country's immigration system.
Ortega called for a streamlining of the process for Mexican citizens to obtain B1/B2 border crossing cards to cross into the U.S. to shop or visit.
Pastor Mark Adams with the bi-national ministry Frontera de Cristo, based in Douglas and Agua Prieta, Sonora, said 1990s immigration policies making it harder to cross between the two countries may have actually led to an increase in those entering the U.S. illegally. Those on the border have seen a shift between young men entering the country looking for work toward women and families doing so, he said.
Adams also called the tension between border security and immigration reform a "false" and "dangerous" dichotomy.
Nan Stockholm Walden, vice president and counsel for Farmers Investment Co., said border issues need a multi-layered approach and that the temporary worker system is broken. She advocated for ID cards with biometric markers and other means to allow those who want to work in the U.S. to do so.
"We are confusing Juan and Juanita, who just want to come here to work … with Juan the drug smuggler," she said.
Internal checkpoints
McSally asked each panel member about their thoughts on the use of internal Border Patrol checkpoints, such as the one on northbound Interstate 19 north of Tubac.
Del Cueto argued they serve a purpose and help deter illegal traffic. The Border Patrol knows that if someone manages to get through the border and then 10 miles into the U.S., the chances of catching them decreases.
"(The checkpoint agents) are not here to give anyone a hard time, they are here to do their job," he said.
Chamberlain called the checkpoints cumbersome, especially along a huge freight corridor such as I-19. He also said ruts are forming on the road where trucks are stopped and nearby property values are adversely affected. "I don't see the checkpoints being that effective," he said.
Stockholm Walden recommended roving checkpoints that shift time and place to better catch smugglers unawares.
Bell wasn't sold on the idea of checkpoints but didn't think it was a pressing issue.
"For now I think it's a necessity, but let's keep our focus on getting down to the border," he said.
end
Southern Arizonans call for secure border at Congressional field hearing
BY KATHY CLINE
May 10, 2016 @ 3:15 pm
(AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)
PHOENIX — Southern Arizonans minced few words Monday as they called for a secure border during a Congressional field hearing held in the state.
"We have damage being done to our fences," Nogales rancher Dan Bell said. "Our watering facilities were damaged and drained. Our vehicles are stolen. Homes are broken into and valuables taken."
The hearing was hosted in Sahuarita by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, who represents the state's 2nd Congressional District, after the House passed a bill that allows for a full threat assessment of the nation's southern border. H.R. 4482 will also study trade and immigration.
"Contrary to what we've been told, the border is not secure," she said. "And the consequences of this failure are felt by our residents every day. That's why southern Arizonans' perspectives are so important."
Most people at the hearing agreed with McSally.
"Violence against innocent citizens, public officials, law enforcement and rival drug, human-trafficking groups continues to escalate," Cochise County Sheriff Mark Daniels said.
However, some urged officials to remember that no matter what steps they may consider or take, they will affect those who call the area home.
"It's home to me, and it's home to millions of others," pastor Mark Adams said. "Too often, the border has been seen as a place to defend, as a place to be afraid of.
"As you all undertake the task of making laws, and trying to oversee the policies that make our border secure, I really want to encourage you to remember that the border is home."
END
Border Patrol checkpoints focus of congressional field hearing
Monday, May 9th 2016, 3:56 pm MST
Monday, May 9th 2016, 6:39 pm MST
By Bud Foster, Reporter
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31929685/border-patrol-checkpoints-focus-of-congressional-field-hearing
SAHUARITA, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A field hearing on border security Monday, May 9, brought out many diverse opinions about how to secure the border without damaging commerce, but there seemed to be general consensus that the border checkpoints hurt more than they help.
The congressional hearing in Sahuarita was chaired by District 2 Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is chairwoman of the Maritime Security Subcommittee.
A diverse group of politicians and regular citizens testified that the checkpoints, which are located 22 miles from the border, act as an impediment to commercial trade and do little to enhance security.
"Used to be that I had to advertise for 45 days to make sure no American can do this job," says Nan Stockholm-Walden, Vice President of Farmers Investment Council. "Now it's 75 days."
Many times those crops, like grapes or strawberries, will perish in the field before they can be harvested.
"A lot of policies in Washington don't work so well in the real world," said Stockholm-Walden.
McSally says she has "heard all this before" but wants to make it part of the Congressional record in hopes of adding to information, which may change policy.
She wants her Washington colleagues to hear how people who live in southern Arizona have concerns about deploying agents 22 miles in, rather that at the border.
"The business community is concerned it's impacting their business, their flow of traffic and attracting new business to our community," she said.
McSally also argues the smugglers go around the checkpoints leaving nearby neighborhoods vulnerable.
"It's a public threat to them," she said.
It is the Border Patrol's policy of "defense in depth" that allows time to make stops and arrests when someone, including drug smugglers, make it across the border.
In an effort to avoid the fixed, permanent checkpoints, the criminals just go around them and rejoin their route on the other side.
Some say it's time for a new policy that stations border agents along the border to enhance the fence, which runs for more than 600 miles. But at the same time, massing the border agents in the ports of entry along the border will only slow down commerce, which is nearly $2 billion in Douglas, AZ alone.
Others call for a renewed effort for immigration reform.
"We've had 20 years of border walls, more agents, more helicopters, more roads and none of that has solved the problem," said Dan Mills, of the Sierra Club. "We need to start looking at the root causes."
He says the policy needs to change to encourage people "to come through the front door rather than sneaking in the back door."
Arizona and much of the nation relies on a quick delivery of goods, services and produce. Anything that delays that costs money.
The testimony from Monday's hearing will be part of the Congressional record.
END
Sunday, May 8, 2016
AZMEX UPDATE 7-5-16
AZMEX UPDATE 7 MAY 2016
Note: video at link.
Posted: May 06, 2016 8:12 PM MST
Updated: May 06, 2016 8:15 PM MST
Border family calls for more agents after ranch overrun by drug smugglers
Written By Aalia Shaheed
Written By Anthony Victor Reyes
http://www.kvoa.com/story/31914493/border-family-calls-for-more-agents-after-ranch-overrun-by-drug-smugglers
TUCSON -
Border Patrol agents are the first line of defense for southern Arizonans who live in border communities.
One family said their ranch is being overrun by drug smugglers. They claim there are not enough agents on the border.
Jim and Sue Chilton have lived in an Arivaca ranch for decades. It is their dream home, but Mexican cartels have turned it into more of a nightmare.
"To have 'druggers' coming through our ranch all the time and we have absolute evidence of it," said Jim Chilton. "It's just outrageous."
Border Patrol operates forward operating camps, which place agents from the Tucson Sector in various hot spots along the border.
The Chiltons said there simply are not enough of those camps because agents are too busy working checkpoints away from the border, leaving their backyard wide open to drug smugglers.
"We live in no man's land and that's intolerable," said Jim Chilton. "The U.S. government should secure the international boundary at the boundary."
Sue Chilton recently spoke about life on the border in front of a house subcommittee on border security.
"What needs to happen is we need a wall on the border, but a wall without patrolling is useless," she said.
Some southern Arizona residents like environmentalist Nan Walden said a border wall would affect the desert landscape of the area. "We don't want to destroy the features of these lands and the flora and fauna that make them so special," said Walden.
Bother side agree, something has to be done to better secure border communities.
end
Border Patrol agent attacked
Friday, May 6th 2016, 3:40 pm MST
Friday, May 6th 2016, 4:33 pm MST
By Kevin Adger, ReporterCONNECT
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31913308/border-patrol-agent-attacked
Needle stuck in chewing gum. (Source: Facebook)
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent is going through testing after being pricked by a needle.
The agent was just getting ready to start his day. He had stopped at a local convenient store near Three Points.
The President of the Local 2544 Border Patrol Union said, "The agent opened his passenger side door and felt a sharp pain in his finger."
The agent then looked under the door handle and found a hypodermic needle stuck to gum.
The BP agent is going through medical testing, because nobody knows what was in the needle.
The Union president tells Tucson News Now that he has advised his nearly 3,000 agents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when stopping at local businesses.
As for this case, it is now under investigation by the FBI.
END
Note: photos at link.
Ports and Border: Outbound check turns up handguns; body-carriers busted
From CBP reports May 6, 2016 (0)
Handguns
CBP photo
The three handguns confiscated from an Audi crossover vehicle.
Handguns
CBP photo
CBP officers in Nogales uncovered a hidden compartment where three handguns were concealed.
Handguns
CBP photo
A hidden compartment underneath the seats of an Audi was found to contain three handguns.
Handguns
CBP photo
Three handguns were taken from the hidden compartment.
Cocaine
CBP photo
Officers at the DeConcini pedestrian crossing searched a 22-year-old Nogales man and found nearly three pounds of cocaine taped beneath his clothing.
Meth
CBP photo
When a woman was searched by CBP officers at the Morley gate, she was found to have packages of meth wrapped around her lower legs
Meth
CBP photo
When a woman was searched by CBP officers at the Morley gate, she was found to have packages of meth wrapped around her lower legs
May 4
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at an unspecified Nogales port of entry selected an southbound Audi Crossover driven by a 37-year-old Mexican national for a secondary inspection and found two 9mm Berettas and a .38-caliber Colt handgun hidden in a secret compartment under the vehicle's front seat.
May 3
• CBP officers at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry referred a 32-year-old Tucson woman for further inspection of her Volkswagen vehicle and found more than 20 pounds of cocaine, worth almost $230,000, in the rear quarter panels.
• CBP officers at the Morley Avenue pedestrian crossing referred a 25-year-old Mexican woman for a further search. After a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, officers found more than four pounds of meth wrapped around the woman's calves. The drugs were valued at more than $12,000.
• Officers at the DeConcini pedestrian crossing found nearly three pounds of cocaine, worth almost $30,000, taped around the legs of a 22-year-old Nogales man after a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the stash.
May 2
• A 72-year-old Mexican man was referred for a secondary inspection of his truck at the DeConcini port. CBP officers then found more than 71 pounds of methamphetamine, worth in excess of $214,000, and nearly 2.5 pounds of cocaine, valued at almost $28,000, hidden in the vehicle.
April 26
• Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint referred a Ford sedan for a secondary inspection area. The driver and a female passenger, Brisseth Karina Gallardo-Ruiz, exited the vehicle for an immigration inspection. Agents then discovered that Gallardo-Ruiz, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, was concealing two packages of heroin with a combined weight of 6.65 pounds on her body. The drugs were valued at almost $116,000.
end
Note: video at link.
Posted: May 06, 2016 8:12 PM MST
Updated: May 06, 2016 8:15 PM MST
Border family calls for more agents after ranch overrun by drug smugglers
Written By Aalia Shaheed
Written By Anthony Victor Reyes
http://www.kvoa.com/story/31914493/border-family-calls-for-more-agents-after-ranch-overrun-by-drug-smugglers
TUCSON -
Border Patrol agents are the first line of defense for southern Arizonans who live in border communities.
One family said their ranch is being overrun by drug smugglers. They claim there are not enough agents on the border.
Jim and Sue Chilton have lived in an Arivaca ranch for decades. It is their dream home, but Mexican cartels have turned it into more of a nightmare.
"To have 'druggers' coming through our ranch all the time and we have absolute evidence of it," said Jim Chilton. "It's just outrageous."
Border Patrol operates forward operating camps, which place agents from the Tucson Sector in various hot spots along the border.
The Chiltons said there simply are not enough of those camps because agents are too busy working checkpoints away from the border, leaving their backyard wide open to drug smugglers.
"We live in no man's land and that's intolerable," said Jim Chilton. "The U.S. government should secure the international boundary at the boundary."
Sue Chilton recently spoke about life on the border in front of a house subcommittee on border security.
"What needs to happen is we need a wall on the border, but a wall without patrolling is useless," she said.
Some southern Arizona residents like environmentalist Nan Walden said a border wall would affect the desert landscape of the area. "We don't want to destroy the features of these lands and the flora and fauna that make them so special," said Walden.
Bother side agree, something has to be done to better secure border communities.
end
Border Patrol agent attacked
Friday, May 6th 2016, 3:40 pm MST
Friday, May 6th 2016, 4:33 pm MST
By Kevin Adger, ReporterCONNECT
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31913308/border-patrol-agent-attacked
Needle stuck in chewing gum. (Source: Facebook)
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent is going through testing after being pricked by a needle.
The agent was just getting ready to start his day. He had stopped at a local convenient store near Three Points.
The President of the Local 2544 Border Patrol Union said, "The agent opened his passenger side door and felt a sharp pain in his finger."
The agent then looked under the door handle and found a hypodermic needle stuck to gum.
The BP agent is going through medical testing, because nobody knows what was in the needle.
The Union president tells Tucson News Now that he has advised his nearly 3,000 agents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when stopping at local businesses.
As for this case, it is now under investigation by the FBI.
END
Note: photos at link.
Ports and Border: Outbound check turns up handguns; body-carriers busted
From CBP reports May 6, 2016 (0)
Handguns
CBP photo
The three handguns confiscated from an Audi crossover vehicle.
Handguns
CBP photo
CBP officers in Nogales uncovered a hidden compartment where three handguns were concealed.
Handguns
CBP photo
A hidden compartment underneath the seats of an Audi was found to contain three handguns.
Handguns
CBP photo
Three handguns were taken from the hidden compartment.
Cocaine
CBP photo
Officers at the DeConcini pedestrian crossing searched a 22-year-old Nogales man and found nearly three pounds of cocaine taped beneath his clothing.
Meth
CBP photo
When a woman was searched by CBP officers at the Morley gate, she was found to have packages of meth wrapped around her lower legs
Meth
CBP photo
When a woman was searched by CBP officers at the Morley gate, she was found to have packages of meth wrapped around her lower legs
May 4
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at an unspecified Nogales port of entry selected an southbound Audi Crossover driven by a 37-year-old Mexican national for a secondary inspection and found two 9mm Berettas and a .38-caliber Colt handgun hidden in a secret compartment under the vehicle's front seat.
May 3
• CBP officers at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry referred a 32-year-old Tucson woman for further inspection of her Volkswagen vehicle and found more than 20 pounds of cocaine, worth almost $230,000, in the rear quarter panels.
• CBP officers at the Morley Avenue pedestrian crossing referred a 25-year-old Mexican woman for a further search. After a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, officers found more than four pounds of meth wrapped around the woman's calves. The drugs were valued at more than $12,000.
• Officers at the DeConcini pedestrian crossing found nearly three pounds of cocaine, worth almost $30,000, taped around the legs of a 22-year-old Nogales man after a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the stash.
May 2
• A 72-year-old Mexican man was referred for a secondary inspection of his truck at the DeConcini port. CBP officers then found more than 71 pounds of methamphetamine, worth in excess of $214,000, and nearly 2.5 pounds of cocaine, valued at almost $28,000, hidden in the vehicle.
April 26
• Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 19 checkpoint referred a Ford sedan for a secondary inspection area. The driver and a female passenger, Brisseth Karina Gallardo-Ruiz, exited the vehicle for an immigration inspection. Agents then discovered that Gallardo-Ruiz, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, was concealing two packages of heroin with a combined weight of 6.65 pounds on her body. The drugs were valued at almost $116,000.
end
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
AZMEX UPDATE 4-5-16
AZMEX UPDATE 4 MAY 2016
CG area Border Patrol agent almost run down by smuggler
Agent narrowly escaped injury
Posted: Wednesday, May 4, 2016 8:34 am
Staff Reports
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/area_news/cg-area-border-patrol-agent-almost-run-down-by-smuggler/article_c21c09e8-120d-11e6-b349-1f97ebe7ce45.html
CASA GRANDE – A Border Patrol agent narrowly escaped injury after a suspected smuggler made an alleged attempt to run him over at a checkpoint near Casa Grande, authorities said.
Agents working at the Federal Route 15 checkpoint Saturday south of Casa Grande encountered a Dodge pickup truck and referred the driver to a secondary inspection lane after a canine alerted to the vehicle. Instead, the driver ignored the instructions and accelerated directly at the agent, according to a press release.
The agent was able to deploy a spike strip while simultaneously evading the oncoming vehicle, successfully deflating two of the truck's tires. Unfazed, however, the driver continued to flee.
Agents pursued the vehicle for 30 miles on Federal Route 15 on the Tohono O'Odham Indian Nation until other agents deployed a second spike strip, which deflated the remaining two tires. With the truck inoperable, the driver then attempted to evade agents on foot but was immediately apprehended. A subsequent search of the truck uncovered two bales of marijuana, weighing nearly 56 pounds and worth approximately $27,800.
Agents later conducted a biometric records check that identified the driver as a U.S citizen on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections. The subject is now in custody and faces charges relating to the drugs, assault and ensuing pursuit.
"The agent showed incredible fortitude, maintaining the presence of mind to deploy spike strips in an attempt to prevent the driver from inflicting harm to others," said Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson. "The agent's quick thinking and composure reinforces the importance of utilizing safe tactics and the necessity for our agents to remain vigilant at all times."
Recent statistics released by Customs and Border Protection show that Tucson Sector, which includes Pinal County, accounted for more than 20 percent of all assaults on agents recorded by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2015.
END
Human smuggling ring leaders sentenced to 10 years in prison
Navideh Forghani
5:58 PM, May 4, 2016
2 hours ago
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/other/human-smuggling-ring-leaders-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison
DOUGLAS, AZ. - The two leaders of a Mexican human smuggling ring were sentenced in federal court on Wednesday.
The group is linked to smuggling hundreds of undocumented immigrants into Arizona from Central America.
Investigators said the extremely dangerous group would pack dozens of migrants into an SUV and actively try to run from law enforcement.
In 2009, investigators said they were responsible for a rollover crash in southern Arizona, in which 27 undocumented immigrants were crammed into an SUV. Ten of the people inside the vehicle were killed.
The head of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Douglas said these groups would constantly try to out run law enforcement.
"Sometimes that resulted in putting the public in danger, law enforcement and even the immigrants in danger. So, our ability to impact that and make the community safer is one of the things I'm most proud of having accomplished," said ASAC Carlos Archuleta, of the HSI Douglas office.
Fidel Mancinas-Franco and Juan Villela-Lopez both received approximately 10 years in prison.
HSI used its partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and Board Patrol to help get the smugglers off the streets.
END
Binational operation 'Relámpago Azul' leads to large busts in Mexico
Nogales International Updated 3 hrs ago (0)
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/binational-operation-rel-mpago-azul-leads-to-large-busts-in/article_8b98206a-124d-11e6-8981-07e4217d044c.html
Relámpago Azul
Mexican Public Safety Secretariat photo
This haul of $250,000 was confiscated as part Relámpago Azul.
Relámpago Azul
Mexican Public Safety Secretariat photo
Mexican federal police unload boxes from a truck during a bust made as part of the operation Relámpago Azul.
Around 9:30 pm. on Sunday, April 17, Mexican officials arrested a 63-year-old Mexican man for allegedly attempting to smuggle $250,000 through a checkpoint in Nogales, Sonora. Officers inspecting the man's Hyundai SUV with an Arizona license plate found 25 bundles wrapped in black tape stashed in the passenger's side running board, according to local media reports.
Later that week, Mexican federal authorities confiscated more than three-and-a-half tons of marijuana hidden in a tractor-trailer that was parked behind a maquiladora in the San Ramon industrial park. The pot, estimated to weigh more than 3,500 kilograms (7, 716 pounds), were found hidden between hospital equipment and stashed in 307 packages wrapped in tape.
Mexican authorities also inspected several homes and hotels in the Centro and Buenos Aires neighborhoods of Nogales, Sonora, hoping to crack down on human trafficking and organized crime. The searches led to several arrests.
The seizures and arrests were part of a binational operation known in Mexico as "Relámpago Azul," or "Blue Thunder." The two-week operation ran from April 17-30 and involved the Tucson Sector Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations working in collaboration with several Mexican law enforcement agencies. The effort was called Operation Double Threat on the U.S. side of the border.
"The binational operation shows how the integration of information and mirrored enforcement can further secure our borders," CBP's Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson said in the news release. "Our ability to work in a coordinated fashion with our law enforcement partners in Mexico contributes to a safer border environment for us all."
The effort led to 467 arrests and the seizure of 25,000 pounds of marijuana valued at about $12.5 million, according to a news release issued by CBP on Wednesday.
Law enforcement also identified 11 stolen vehicles found in Mexico and seized nearly $16,400 worth of Mexican pesos.
On Friday, a convoy of Mexican federal police vehicles caused a stir when it crossed into the United States at the Mariposa Port of Entry. Sonoran media reported that the convoy was headed to a training session as part of Relámpago Azul, but a CBP spokeswoman declined to comment.
END
CG area Border Patrol agent almost run down by smuggler
Agent narrowly escaped injury
Posted: Wednesday, May 4, 2016 8:34 am
Staff Reports
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/area_news/cg-area-border-patrol-agent-almost-run-down-by-smuggler/article_c21c09e8-120d-11e6-b349-1f97ebe7ce45.html
CASA GRANDE – A Border Patrol agent narrowly escaped injury after a suspected smuggler made an alleged attempt to run him over at a checkpoint near Casa Grande, authorities said.
Agents working at the Federal Route 15 checkpoint Saturday south of Casa Grande encountered a Dodge pickup truck and referred the driver to a secondary inspection lane after a canine alerted to the vehicle. Instead, the driver ignored the instructions and accelerated directly at the agent, according to a press release.
The agent was able to deploy a spike strip while simultaneously evading the oncoming vehicle, successfully deflating two of the truck's tires. Unfazed, however, the driver continued to flee.
Agents pursued the vehicle for 30 miles on Federal Route 15 on the Tohono O'Odham Indian Nation until other agents deployed a second spike strip, which deflated the remaining two tires. With the truck inoperable, the driver then attempted to evade agents on foot but was immediately apprehended. A subsequent search of the truck uncovered two bales of marijuana, weighing nearly 56 pounds and worth approximately $27,800.
Agents later conducted a biometric records check that identified the driver as a U.S citizen on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections. The subject is now in custody and faces charges relating to the drugs, assault and ensuing pursuit.
"The agent showed incredible fortitude, maintaining the presence of mind to deploy spike strips in an attempt to prevent the driver from inflicting harm to others," said Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson. "The agent's quick thinking and composure reinforces the importance of utilizing safe tactics and the necessity for our agents to remain vigilant at all times."
Recent statistics released by Customs and Border Protection show that Tucson Sector, which includes Pinal County, accounted for more than 20 percent of all assaults on agents recorded by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2015.
END
Human smuggling ring leaders sentenced to 10 years in prison
Navideh Forghani
5:58 PM, May 4, 2016
2 hours ago
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/other/human-smuggling-ring-leaders-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison
DOUGLAS, AZ. - The two leaders of a Mexican human smuggling ring were sentenced in federal court on Wednesday.
The group is linked to smuggling hundreds of undocumented immigrants into Arizona from Central America.
Investigators said the extremely dangerous group would pack dozens of migrants into an SUV and actively try to run from law enforcement.
In 2009, investigators said they were responsible for a rollover crash in southern Arizona, in which 27 undocumented immigrants were crammed into an SUV. Ten of the people inside the vehicle were killed.
The head of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Douglas said these groups would constantly try to out run law enforcement.
"Sometimes that resulted in putting the public in danger, law enforcement and even the immigrants in danger. So, our ability to impact that and make the community safer is one of the things I'm most proud of having accomplished," said ASAC Carlos Archuleta, of the HSI Douglas office.
Fidel Mancinas-Franco and Juan Villela-Lopez both received approximately 10 years in prison.
HSI used its partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and Board Patrol to help get the smugglers off the streets.
END
Binational operation 'Relámpago Azul' leads to large busts in Mexico
Nogales International Updated 3 hrs ago (0)
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/binational-operation-rel-mpago-azul-leads-to-large-busts-in/article_8b98206a-124d-11e6-8981-07e4217d044c.html
Relámpago Azul
Mexican Public Safety Secretariat photo
This haul of $250,000 was confiscated as part Relámpago Azul.
Relámpago Azul
Mexican Public Safety Secretariat photo
Mexican federal police unload boxes from a truck during a bust made as part of the operation Relámpago Azul.
Around 9:30 pm. on Sunday, April 17, Mexican officials arrested a 63-year-old Mexican man for allegedly attempting to smuggle $250,000 through a checkpoint in Nogales, Sonora. Officers inspecting the man's Hyundai SUV with an Arizona license plate found 25 bundles wrapped in black tape stashed in the passenger's side running board, according to local media reports.
Later that week, Mexican federal authorities confiscated more than three-and-a-half tons of marijuana hidden in a tractor-trailer that was parked behind a maquiladora in the San Ramon industrial park. The pot, estimated to weigh more than 3,500 kilograms (7, 716 pounds), were found hidden between hospital equipment and stashed in 307 packages wrapped in tape.
Mexican authorities also inspected several homes and hotels in the Centro and Buenos Aires neighborhoods of Nogales, Sonora, hoping to crack down on human trafficking and organized crime. The searches led to several arrests.
The seizures and arrests were part of a binational operation known in Mexico as "Relámpago Azul," or "Blue Thunder." The two-week operation ran from April 17-30 and involved the Tucson Sector Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations working in collaboration with several Mexican law enforcement agencies. The effort was called Operation Double Threat on the U.S. side of the border.
"The binational operation shows how the integration of information and mirrored enforcement can further secure our borders," CBP's Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson said in the news release. "Our ability to work in a coordinated fashion with our law enforcement partners in Mexico contributes to a safer border environment for us all."
The effort led to 467 arrests and the seizure of 25,000 pounds of marijuana valued at about $12.5 million, according to a news release issued by CBP on Wednesday.
Law enforcement also identified 11 stolen vehicles found in Mexico and seized nearly $16,400 worth of Mexican pesos.
On Friday, a convoy of Mexican federal police vehicles caused a stir when it crossed into the United States at the Mariposa Port of Entry. Sonoran media reported that the convoy was headed to a training session as part of Relámpago Azul, but a CBP spokeswoman declined to comment.
END
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
AZMEX UPDATE 3-5-16
AZMEX UPDATE 3 MAY 2016
Yuma residents paying for undocumented immigrants crimes
Posted by Chase Golightly Date: May 02, 2016
YUMA, Ariz.-
http://www.kyma.com/yuma-residents-paying-for-undocumented-immigrants-crimes/
Yuma Sector Border Patrol arrested 21 undocumented immigrants for allegedly smuggling marijuana across the border. However, the Yuma county sheriff's office says local residents will be the ones paying for their crime.
On Thursday April 28th, Wellton Station Border Patrol agents arrested 58 undocumented immigrants. 21 of them were smuggling more than 800 pounds of marijuana in back packs according to Yuma sector border patrol agent Richard Withers.
YCSO says those 21 undocumented immigrants were booked into the Yuma county detention center after the United States Attorney's Office of Arizona refused to prosecute them. Making local taxpayers literally pay for their crime. Alfonso Zavala with YCSO says, "The average is they are in our facility for 100 days costing 78 dollars per day." Zavala says the combined total of all 21 immigrants is costing Yuma taxpayers more than $600,000.
"It's cost is roughly $600,000 on illegal immigrants that cross into the United States, have committed a crime that we have had to fund from our general fund, out of our local taxpayers money because the federal government won't do their job," says Zavala.
Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot has spoke out about the lack of prosecution on undocumented immigrants. Wilmot said in a statement, "When the United States Attorney's Office of Arizona continuously refuses to prosecute illegal immigrants smuggling drugs into our state it places a significant burden on local governments to pick up the cost of prosecuting and incarcerating these criminals."
Zavala says it's the FBI administration in Washington are the ones making the attorneys office not prosecute. "We've sent numerous letters to Washington asking for clarification on why this isn't good so it's not something locally. This is something that is occurring in Washington and is streamlining down that we have no control over."
YCSO says they will continue to detain these immigrants for committing crimes.
"Sheriff Wilmot is committed to the community and he will continue to push forward," says Zavala
end
Note: Folks from the other side of the country doing the job the corrupt Obama regime won't do.
Border Keepers: Alabamians travel 1600 miles to suppress drug trade, illegal immigration
By Brittany Bivins
Published: May 2, 2016, 10:08 pm Updated: May 3, 2016, 8:01 am
http://wiat.com/investigative-story/border-keepers-alabamians-travel-1600-miles-to-suppress-drug-trade-illegal-immigration/
Drug Trade The Fence
Related Coverage
6 days in Arizona with the 'Border Keepers of Alabama'
Border Keepers: What do you do when 'everything is trying to kill you'?
The border between the United States and Mexico is nearly 2,000 miles long. It passes through four states in the US, including California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Along this often remote and hostile line, federal border patrol agents are responsible for ensuring the security of the border on the United States's side.
They face a tough fight. Every year, more than a million pounds of illegal drugs pass over the border from Arizona into the United States. Unlike states like California and Texas, where the majority of illegal activity involves human trafficking, Arizona is ground zero for the war against drug smuggling, according to federal officials.
Drug Trade
Nogales, Arizona is more than 1,600 miles from Birmingham, Ala. In many ways, the two cities are completely different. However, they share one very important problem: they've both been impacted by the trade of illicit drugs, most notably heroin. Last year, heroin-related deaths were up by about 150 percent in Jefferson County, according to law enforcement officials. Heroin has been called an "epidemic" across our state by drug prevention groups. While not all of that product comes from Mexico, a large portion of drugs that make their way to Birmingham have been trafficked from out of the country.
2015 National Drug Threat Assessment Summary
Border Keepers of Alabama
In this way, what happens on the border has had a big impact on Birmingham. The drug trade is part of the catalyst for the creation of the Border Keepers of Alabama. It's a group of a few dozen men and women with the stated goal of preventing drugs and people from passing illegally through the border with Mexico. The organization, which calls itself "BOA" for short, has been met with criticism and praise. Critics call them vigilantes and racists, bent on preventing immigration into the United States. Supporters call them patriots and heroes, intent on doing the job Border Patrol agents have trouble doing alone--enforcing the law.
Border Keepers of AlabamaView as list Open Gallery
Bull
1 of 4
In the past several years, BOA's enrollment has grown. Along with more members, they've expanded their efforts in a big way. Several times a year they run special operations--or "ops"--on the border with Mexico. Between four and ten men usually go on these trips, joining up with dozens of like-minded groups from across the country. They call themselves "three percenters," a reference to the three percent of soon-to-be Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War.
The Border Keepers of Alabama have traditionally focused their attention on Brownsville, Texas, an urban area that has been a hotbed of illegal activity, from human trafficking to drug smuggling. Recently, though, they say Border Patrol in Texas has made running ops through that area very difficult, if not impossible. In April 2016, they shifted gears, sending men for the second time to an op near Nogales, Arizona.
The Camp
CBS42 News followed the group of six Central Alabamians to their camp site, where we accompanied them on day patrols, night watches, and tried to get a better understanding of exactly what is happening on the border. The men did not use their real names, but "call signs," which is how they asked us to refer to them for this report.
They all had different reasons for coming to Arizona on what could be a dangerous mission to patrol the border. One man, whose call sign is "Trigger," told us he's concerned about the drugs coming across the border. "You know, we're all not crazy zealots. Somebody's got to do it, and our government's not doing it, so we've got to answer that call where we can," he said.
The Border Keepers' efforts are not authorized by the federal government, and they are entirely a volunteer organization. In fact, each man must bring his own supplies. They even pay $15 a day for the cost of hot food and water at camp. However, in Arizona, we saw them work with Border Patrol agents, occasionally running ops in conjunction with them.
"You know, we're all not crazy zealots. Somebody's got to do it, and our government's not doing it, so we've got to answer that call where we can," - Trigger
"They're happy we're here. It helps them out," said "Ghost," the Arizona op's commanding officer. He's part of the Three Percent United Patriots of Arizona, and he's the person who coordinates with volunteers from other states.
"It's their party. We just came for the cake," said "Bull," a Central Alabama native who made the trip to Arizona.
The Conditions
The camp itself is set up about two miles from the border. It's in a remote section of the Patagonia Mountains, about an hour's drive south of Tucson and a half hour's trip north of Nogales, Arizona. There's no cell phone signal, no restaurants or hotels nearby. The houses here are few and said to be owned by supporters of the Sinaloa drug cartel, which Border Patrol tells us controls the drug trade through this area.
"Everything out here is trying to kill you," said "Bull."
During the day, the temperature soars to 80 degrees, but at night, it can get below freezing. There are scorpions, snakes and bears that live in the desert surrounding the camp. The biggest danger, though, comes from across the border itself.
The men are told by camp commanders not to fire any weapons, even though they carry them, unless their lives are in danger. If they see a person attempting to cross the border illegally, they're told to let them cross, then try to convince them to sit down and wait until Border Patrol can get to the scene.
"We're not an assault force, we're not here to arrest anybody. We're here to observe and report," said "Doc," who came from North Carolina for the op.
"Everything out here is trying to kill you," - Bull
During the pre-operation meetings, "Ghost" tells the men their assignments. During the day, that can include recon missions and familiarizing themselves with the area and popular crossing locations. By night, they find their posts and wait for illegal activity.
"It's not like we want somebody here that this is the first time they've ever had a gun on their hand or the first time they've been away from their family. We've got to have people here that are level-headed, that have experience," said "Geezer," another Border Keeper from Alabama.
The Fence
"{Donald} Trump talks about building a wall. Well, we're the wall right now," said "Ghost."
That night, the Border Keepers take us to see the fence. With the naked eye, it looks just like any normal fence, the kind that could keep livestock in or coyotes out. There's no marker to indicate it's a national border. The fence is made up of three wooden boards that run horizontally, covered by barbed wire about an inch thick. In some places, the wire is missing.
"{Donald} Trump talks about building a wall. Well, we're the wall right now," - Ghost
"It's shocking. I've seen it with my own eyes. That's originally why I came down. I hear about this, I want to see it," said "Doc."
On our first day with the Border Keepers, they take the forty or so volunteers on a tour of the area. In the middle of the tour, we're told something has happened. Another group patrolling the nearby mountains has found a cache of drugs. They quickly secure and search the area. We're told to wait in the car while armed men cordon off the dirt road. After a few tense minutes, they move on. The group on the mountain has called Border Patrol to catalog, inventory and turn in the drugs. It's a small load, just five pounds of marijuana altogether.
"You know, we come down for ten days, they can't run their drugs down here, so it costs them two or three million dollars. To the cartels, that's nothing. That's $100 to you and me, literally," said "Ghost."
"We're not even probably putting a dent in what the cartels are sending across, but we're setting an example," said "Nashville," who came from Tennessee for this op.
It's this belief that they're making a difference that brings many of these men to camp.
Night Watch
nightfall
That evening, we see the team's first night patrol. They split up into groups of three or four, then stake out strategic locations along the border. They wear all camouflage, carry weapons, and turn off anything that can emit light. A truck drops them off along their designated areas. From there, they crouch in the brush, flatten themselves among trees, and wait for something to see.
Shortly into the watch, we hear the sound of a car engine near the Mexico side of the fence. We can see the vehicle, but we can't hear it. "Bull" tells us this is common for cartel operators. They stake out the area to make sure it's secure and safe before trying to cross over. The vehicle moves away.
Another hour into the patrol, "Bull" points to a group of lights in the distance. He tell us they are drones, that the cartels often use them to watch the fence. He says it's another way the cartels can keep an eye on what's happening on the border.
On this night, we're out until 3 a.m. when the group is picked up by a command vehicle and taken back to camp. It's been a quiet patrol. No drugs or illegal crossing attempts have been reported. They'll wake up the next morning for another day of operations.
END
Yuma residents paying for undocumented immigrants crimes
Posted by Chase Golightly Date: May 02, 2016
YUMA, Ariz.-
http://www.kyma.com/yuma-residents-paying-for-undocumented-immigrants-crimes/
Yuma Sector Border Patrol arrested 21 undocumented immigrants for allegedly smuggling marijuana across the border. However, the Yuma county sheriff's office says local residents will be the ones paying for their crime.
On Thursday April 28th, Wellton Station Border Patrol agents arrested 58 undocumented immigrants. 21 of them were smuggling more than 800 pounds of marijuana in back packs according to Yuma sector border patrol agent Richard Withers.
YCSO says those 21 undocumented immigrants were booked into the Yuma county detention center after the United States Attorney's Office of Arizona refused to prosecute them. Making local taxpayers literally pay for their crime. Alfonso Zavala with YCSO says, "The average is they are in our facility for 100 days costing 78 dollars per day." Zavala says the combined total of all 21 immigrants is costing Yuma taxpayers more than $600,000.
"It's cost is roughly $600,000 on illegal immigrants that cross into the United States, have committed a crime that we have had to fund from our general fund, out of our local taxpayers money because the federal government won't do their job," says Zavala.
Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot has spoke out about the lack of prosecution on undocumented immigrants. Wilmot said in a statement, "When the United States Attorney's Office of Arizona continuously refuses to prosecute illegal immigrants smuggling drugs into our state it places a significant burden on local governments to pick up the cost of prosecuting and incarcerating these criminals."
Zavala says it's the FBI administration in Washington are the ones making the attorneys office not prosecute. "We've sent numerous letters to Washington asking for clarification on why this isn't good so it's not something locally. This is something that is occurring in Washington and is streamlining down that we have no control over."
YCSO says they will continue to detain these immigrants for committing crimes.
"Sheriff Wilmot is committed to the community and he will continue to push forward," says Zavala
end
Note: Folks from the other side of the country doing the job the corrupt Obama regime won't do.
Border Keepers: Alabamians travel 1600 miles to suppress drug trade, illegal immigration
By Brittany Bivins
Published: May 2, 2016, 10:08 pm Updated: May 3, 2016, 8:01 am
http://wiat.com/investigative-story/border-keepers-alabamians-travel-1600-miles-to-suppress-drug-trade-illegal-immigration/
Drug Trade The Fence
Related Coverage
6 days in Arizona with the 'Border Keepers of Alabama'
Border Keepers: What do you do when 'everything is trying to kill you'?
The border between the United States and Mexico is nearly 2,000 miles long. It passes through four states in the US, including California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Along this often remote and hostile line, federal border patrol agents are responsible for ensuring the security of the border on the United States's side.
They face a tough fight. Every year, more than a million pounds of illegal drugs pass over the border from Arizona into the United States. Unlike states like California and Texas, where the majority of illegal activity involves human trafficking, Arizona is ground zero for the war against drug smuggling, according to federal officials.
Drug Trade
Nogales, Arizona is more than 1,600 miles from Birmingham, Ala. In many ways, the two cities are completely different. However, they share one very important problem: they've both been impacted by the trade of illicit drugs, most notably heroin. Last year, heroin-related deaths were up by about 150 percent in Jefferson County, according to law enforcement officials. Heroin has been called an "epidemic" across our state by drug prevention groups. While not all of that product comes from Mexico, a large portion of drugs that make their way to Birmingham have been trafficked from out of the country.
2015 National Drug Threat Assessment Summary
Border Keepers of Alabama
In this way, what happens on the border has had a big impact on Birmingham. The drug trade is part of the catalyst for the creation of the Border Keepers of Alabama. It's a group of a few dozen men and women with the stated goal of preventing drugs and people from passing illegally through the border with Mexico. The organization, which calls itself "BOA" for short, has been met with criticism and praise. Critics call them vigilantes and racists, bent on preventing immigration into the United States. Supporters call them patriots and heroes, intent on doing the job Border Patrol agents have trouble doing alone--enforcing the law.
Border Keepers of AlabamaView as list Open Gallery
Bull
1 of 4
In the past several years, BOA's enrollment has grown. Along with more members, they've expanded their efforts in a big way. Several times a year they run special operations--or "ops"--on the border with Mexico. Between four and ten men usually go on these trips, joining up with dozens of like-minded groups from across the country. They call themselves "three percenters," a reference to the three percent of soon-to-be Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War.
The Border Keepers of Alabama have traditionally focused their attention on Brownsville, Texas, an urban area that has been a hotbed of illegal activity, from human trafficking to drug smuggling. Recently, though, they say Border Patrol in Texas has made running ops through that area very difficult, if not impossible. In April 2016, they shifted gears, sending men for the second time to an op near Nogales, Arizona.
The Camp
CBS42 News followed the group of six Central Alabamians to their camp site, where we accompanied them on day patrols, night watches, and tried to get a better understanding of exactly what is happening on the border. The men did not use their real names, but "call signs," which is how they asked us to refer to them for this report.
They all had different reasons for coming to Arizona on what could be a dangerous mission to patrol the border. One man, whose call sign is "Trigger," told us he's concerned about the drugs coming across the border. "You know, we're all not crazy zealots. Somebody's got to do it, and our government's not doing it, so we've got to answer that call where we can," he said.
The Border Keepers' efforts are not authorized by the federal government, and they are entirely a volunteer organization. In fact, each man must bring his own supplies. They even pay $15 a day for the cost of hot food and water at camp. However, in Arizona, we saw them work with Border Patrol agents, occasionally running ops in conjunction with them.
"You know, we're all not crazy zealots. Somebody's got to do it, and our government's not doing it, so we've got to answer that call where we can," - Trigger
"They're happy we're here. It helps them out," said "Ghost," the Arizona op's commanding officer. He's part of the Three Percent United Patriots of Arizona, and he's the person who coordinates with volunteers from other states.
"It's their party. We just came for the cake," said "Bull," a Central Alabama native who made the trip to Arizona.
The Conditions
The camp itself is set up about two miles from the border. It's in a remote section of the Patagonia Mountains, about an hour's drive south of Tucson and a half hour's trip north of Nogales, Arizona. There's no cell phone signal, no restaurants or hotels nearby. The houses here are few and said to be owned by supporters of the Sinaloa drug cartel, which Border Patrol tells us controls the drug trade through this area.
"Everything out here is trying to kill you," said "Bull."
During the day, the temperature soars to 80 degrees, but at night, it can get below freezing. There are scorpions, snakes and bears that live in the desert surrounding the camp. The biggest danger, though, comes from across the border itself.
The men are told by camp commanders not to fire any weapons, even though they carry them, unless their lives are in danger. If they see a person attempting to cross the border illegally, they're told to let them cross, then try to convince them to sit down and wait until Border Patrol can get to the scene.
"We're not an assault force, we're not here to arrest anybody. We're here to observe and report," said "Doc," who came from North Carolina for the op.
"Everything out here is trying to kill you," - Bull
During the pre-operation meetings, "Ghost" tells the men their assignments. During the day, that can include recon missions and familiarizing themselves with the area and popular crossing locations. By night, they find their posts and wait for illegal activity.
"It's not like we want somebody here that this is the first time they've ever had a gun on their hand or the first time they've been away from their family. We've got to have people here that are level-headed, that have experience," said "Geezer," another Border Keeper from Alabama.
The Fence
"{Donald} Trump talks about building a wall. Well, we're the wall right now," said "Ghost."
That night, the Border Keepers take us to see the fence. With the naked eye, it looks just like any normal fence, the kind that could keep livestock in or coyotes out. There's no marker to indicate it's a national border. The fence is made up of three wooden boards that run horizontally, covered by barbed wire about an inch thick. In some places, the wire is missing.
"{Donald} Trump talks about building a wall. Well, we're the wall right now," - Ghost
"It's shocking. I've seen it with my own eyes. That's originally why I came down. I hear about this, I want to see it," said "Doc."
On our first day with the Border Keepers, they take the forty or so volunteers on a tour of the area. In the middle of the tour, we're told something has happened. Another group patrolling the nearby mountains has found a cache of drugs. They quickly secure and search the area. We're told to wait in the car while armed men cordon off the dirt road. After a few tense minutes, they move on. The group on the mountain has called Border Patrol to catalog, inventory and turn in the drugs. It's a small load, just five pounds of marijuana altogether.
"You know, we come down for ten days, they can't run their drugs down here, so it costs them two or three million dollars. To the cartels, that's nothing. That's $100 to you and me, literally," said "Ghost."
"We're not even probably putting a dent in what the cartels are sending across, but we're setting an example," said "Nashville," who came from Tennessee for this op.
It's this belief that they're making a difference that brings many of these men to camp.
Night Watch
nightfall
That evening, we see the team's first night patrol. They split up into groups of three or four, then stake out strategic locations along the border. They wear all camouflage, carry weapons, and turn off anything that can emit light. A truck drops them off along their designated areas. From there, they crouch in the brush, flatten themselves among trees, and wait for something to see.
Shortly into the watch, we hear the sound of a car engine near the Mexico side of the fence. We can see the vehicle, but we can't hear it. "Bull" tells us this is common for cartel operators. They stake out the area to make sure it's secure and safe before trying to cross over. The vehicle moves away.
Another hour into the patrol, "Bull" points to a group of lights in the distance. He tell us they are drones, that the cartels often use them to watch the fence. He says it's another way the cartels can keep an eye on what's happening on the border.
On this night, we're out until 3 a.m. when the group is picked up by a command vehicle and taken back to camp. It's been a quiet patrol. No drugs or illegal crossing attempts have been reported. They'll wake up the next morning for another day of operations.
END
AZMEX I3 28-4-16
AZMEX I3 28 APR 2016
Note: For those who haven't seen it. map & graphics at link.
"because their home countries didn't want them back."
ICE releases 19,723 criminal illegals, 208 convicted of murder, 900 of sex crimes
Washington Examiner
By PAUL BEDARD (@SECRETSBEDARD) • 4/28/16 7:35 AM
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ice-releases-19723-criminal-illegals-208-convicted-of-murder-900-of-sex-crimes/article/2589785
ICE releases 19,723 criminal illegals, 208 convicted of murder, 900 of sex crimes
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in 2015 decided not to deport but release 19,723 criminal illegal immigrants, including 208 convicted of murder, over 900 convicted of sex crimes and 12,307 of drunk driving, according to new government numbers.
Overall, those released into virtually every state and territory of America had a total of 64,197 convictions among them, for an average of 3.25 convictions each, according to an analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies. ICE also said that the group were convicted of 8,234 violent crimes.
Meanwhile, ICE said that it has also slashed the number of criminals arrested in local communities, according to the Center's Director of Policy Studies, Jessica M. Vaughan. "In 2015, ICE made 119,772 arrests, or just half the number of arrests made in 2013, 232,287," she said in her analysis that also included a map of the releases.
The reason: Under President Obama's immigration policy changes, many criminal immigrants are being ignored even though local police and sheriff have urged ICE to take control of criminals in their jails and deport them.
She said that the slash of arrests is why the number of releases by ICE is down. In 2014, 30,000 criminal illegals were released.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Thursday is holding a hearing on the issue of the releases. In a preview of the issues in the hearing, the committee said, "Each year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement releases tens of thousands of criminal aliens eligible for deportation. After release, many go on to commit additional crimes. With new restrictions on immigration enforcement through the president's executive actions, only narrow classes of removable aliens are priorities for arrest, questioning, detention, or removal. Therefore, millions of removable aliens will be able to remain in the country."
ICE for the first time explained why the illegals were released, with more than half ordered free by courts and in over 2,100 cases because their home countries didn't want them back.
The issue of released criminal illegal immigrants has erupted on the presidential campaign trail and in Congress, especially because several have gone on to commit further crimes, including murder. Republican front runner Donald Trump, for example, refers to the 2015 murder of Kate Steinle by a released criminal undocumented immigrant on a popular San Francisco pier.
It's a typical story, according to Vaughan, who wrote:
"When ICE releases criminal aliens instead of deporting them, the chances are high that the aliens will re-offend. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 71 percent of violent offenders, 77 percent of drug offenders, and 82 percent of property offenders will be arrested for a new crime within five years of release from jail or prison. Drunk drivers are especially prone to offend repeatedly. According to an FBI statistic cited by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before ever being arrested."
END
Note: For those who haven't seen it. map & graphics at link.
"because their home countries didn't want them back."
ICE releases 19,723 criminal illegals, 208 convicted of murder, 900 of sex crimes
Washington Examiner
By PAUL BEDARD (@SECRETSBEDARD) • 4/28/16 7:35 AM
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ice-releases-19723-criminal-illegals-208-convicted-of-murder-900-of-sex-crimes/article/2589785
ICE releases 19,723 criminal illegals, 208 convicted of murder, 900 of sex crimes
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in 2015 decided not to deport but release 19,723 criminal illegal immigrants, including 208 convicted of murder, over 900 convicted of sex crimes and 12,307 of drunk driving, according to new government numbers.
Overall, those released into virtually every state and territory of America had a total of 64,197 convictions among them, for an average of 3.25 convictions each, according to an analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies. ICE also said that the group were convicted of 8,234 violent crimes.
Meanwhile, ICE said that it has also slashed the number of criminals arrested in local communities, according to the Center's Director of Policy Studies, Jessica M. Vaughan. "In 2015, ICE made 119,772 arrests, or just half the number of arrests made in 2013, 232,287," she said in her analysis that also included a map of the releases.
The reason: Under President Obama's immigration policy changes, many criminal immigrants are being ignored even though local police and sheriff have urged ICE to take control of criminals in their jails and deport them.
She said that the slash of arrests is why the number of releases by ICE is down. In 2014, 30,000 criminal illegals were released.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Thursday is holding a hearing on the issue of the releases. In a preview of the issues in the hearing, the committee said, "Each year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement releases tens of thousands of criminal aliens eligible for deportation. After release, many go on to commit additional crimes. With new restrictions on immigration enforcement through the president's executive actions, only narrow classes of removable aliens are priorities for arrest, questioning, detention, or removal. Therefore, millions of removable aliens will be able to remain in the country."
ICE for the first time explained why the illegals were released, with more than half ordered free by courts and in over 2,100 cases because their home countries didn't want them back.
The issue of released criminal illegal immigrants has erupted on the presidential campaign trail and in Congress, especially because several have gone on to commit further crimes, including murder. Republican front runner Donald Trump, for example, refers to the 2015 murder of Kate Steinle by a released criminal undocumented immigrant on a popular San Francisco pier.
It's a typical story, according to Vaughan, who wrote:
"When ICE releases criminal aliens instead of deporting them, the chances are high that the aliens will re-offend. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 71 percent of violent offenders, 77 percent of drug offenders, and 82 percent of property offenders will be arrested for a new crime within five years of release from jail or prison. Drunk drivers are especially prone to offend repeatedly. According to an FBI statistic cited by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before ever being arrested."
END
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