AZMEX POLICY 18-4-18

AZMEX POLICY 18 APR 2018


Law enforcement from U.S., Mexico come together for Border Safety Initiative
By: Mauricio Casillas
Posted: Apr 17, 2018 03:48 PM MDT
Updated: Apr 17, 2018 03:51 PM MDT

http://www.kvia.com/news/new-mexico/law-enforcement-from-us-mexico-come-together-for-border-safety-initiative/730957825

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico - Several agencies from across the Borderland came together on Tuesday for the annual Border Safety Initiative.

It's the 21st year of the initiative that aims to educate the public about the dangers of crossing the border, especially in remote areas with dangerous terrain.

"Sadly every year people die while trying to cross into the United States illegally. Inhumane smugglers, extreme temperatures and the rushing waters of the Rio Grande River and the adjacent irrigation canals have all played a part in taking the lives of aliens over the years," El Paso Sector Chief Aaron Hull said.

The initiative began in Fiscal Year 1998. Border Patrol officials said that year, 24 undocumented immigrants died while attempting to cross over in the El Paso Sector.

In Fiscal Year 2017, there were 44 rescues and eight deaths.

"This initiative is a prime example of the joint commitment to humanitarian efforts on both sides of the border," Hull said. "This is a partnership and an obligation to have a role in any of these agencies is a responsibility to work together with your partners to increase everyone's safety."

There was a simulated rescue demonstration which included two actors who played the role of undocumented immigrants who were injured. Members of the Border Patrol's Search and Trauma Rescue Team found the injured immigrants and began helping them.

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Members of the Border Patrol's Air and Marine Operations team also held a simulated helicopter rescue.

"The very first thing they do is thank you, and then the second thing they do is they obviously, admittedly, tell you 'had I known it was ever going to be this way, I would have never tried it,'" air enforcement agent Fabian Cardiel said.

The event is held in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate, with members of the Mexican Federal Police, and Grupos Beta.

"For Mexico's government as well as the United States government, the most important goals are to protect lives," Deputy Consul General Ricardo Hernandez Lecanda said. "They're committed first to save lives and protect the dignity of the people. it doesn't matter who they are, or how they've been found."

Hull said that since October 2017 he estimates he's met with Mexican officials over 30 times.
"We live and work here on both sides of the border," Hull said. :We have relationships going back generations."

END