The bloody drug war in Mexico shows no sign of relenting. Neither do calls for tighter border security amid rising fears of spillover violence.
This hardly seems a time the U.S. would be willing to allow people to cross the border legally from Mexico without a customs officer in sight. But in this rugged, remote West Texas terrain where wading across the shallow Rio Grande undetected is all too easy, federal authorities are touting a proposal to open an unmanned port of entry as a security upgrade.
By the spring, kiosks could open up in Big Bend National Park allowing people from the tiny Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen to scan their identity documents and talk to a customs officer in another location, at least 100 miles (160 kilometers) away.
The crossing, which would be the nation’s first such port of entry with Mexico, has sparked opposition from some who see it as counterintuitive in these days of heightened border security. Supporters say the crossing would give the isolated Mexican town long-awaited access to U.S. commerce, improve conservation efforts and be an unlikely target for criminal operations.
CONTINUED:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/feds-propose-to-open-an-unmanned-border-crossing-with-mexico-to-upgrade-security/
Showing posts with label border. Show all posts
Showing posts with label border. Show all posts
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
THE BLAZE: Justice Dept. Tries to Explain How It Got Its Story Wrong on Fast & Furious
The Justice Department on Friday provided Congress with documents detailing how department officials gave inaccurate information to a U.S. senator in the controversy surrounding Operation Fast and Furious, the flawed law enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling major arms trafficking networks on the Southwest border.
In a letter last February to Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Justice Department said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had not sanctioned the sale of assault weapons to a straw purchaser and that the agency makes every effort to intercept weapons that have been purchased illegally. In Operation Fast and Furious, both statements turned out to be incorrect.
The Justice Department letter was responding to Grassley’s statements that the Senate Judiciary Committee had received allegations the ATF had sanctioned the sale of hundreds of assault weapons to suspected straw purchasers. Grassley also said there were allegations that two of the assault weapons had been used in a shootout that killed customs agent Brian Terry.
In an email four days later to Justice Department colleagues, then-U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke in Phoenix said that “Grassley’s assertions regarding the Arizona investigation and the weapons recovered“ at the ”murder scene are based on categorical falsehoods. I worry that ATF will take 8 months to answer this when they should be refuting its underlying accusations right now.” That email marked the start of an internal debate in the Justice Department over what and how much to say in response to Grassley’s allegations. The fact that there was an ongoing criminal investigation into Terry’s murder prompted some at the Justice Department to argue for less disclosure.
CONTINUED: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/justice-dept-tries-to-explain-how-it-got-its-story-wrong-on-fast-furious/
In a letter last February to Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Justice Department said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had not sanctioned the sale of assault weapons to a straw purchaser and that the agency makes every effort to intercept weapons that have been purchased illegally. In Operation Fast and Furious, both statements turned out to be incorrect.
The Justice Department letter was responding to Grassley’s statements that the Senate Judiciary Committee had received allegations the ATF had sanctioned the sale of hundreds of assault weapons to suspected straw purchasers. Grassley also said there were allegations that two of the assault weapons had been used in a shootout that killed customs agent Brian Terry.
In an email four days later to Justice Department colleagues, then-U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke in Phoenix said that “Grassley’s assertions regarding the Arizona investigation and the weapons recovered“ at the ”murder scene are based on categorical falsehoods. I worry that ATF will take 8 months to answer this when they should be refuting its underlying accusations right now.” That email marked the start of an internal debate in the Justice Department over what and how much to say in response to Grassley’s allegations. The fact that there was an ongoing criminal investigation into Terry’s murder prompted some at the Justice Department to argue for less disclosure.
CONTINUED: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/justice-dept-tries-to-explain-how-it-got-its-story-wrong-on-fast-furious/
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesdays with Audrey Hudson
May 18, 2011
"Boots on the ground"-that's what President Barack Obama says is protecting our southern border-20,000 border patrol agents, 40,000 boots on the ground.
He said it last week during a speech in El Paso, Tex., and a new investigation by HUMAN EVENTS concurs.
Well, the boots on the ground part anyway, because Border Patrol agents have to abandon their vehicles at makeshift Normandy-style fences constructed by our own Park Service on the U.S. side of the border. They are then forced to chase illegal aliens on foot so as not to disturb the fragile desert ecosystem.
In one Arizona park, federal agents practically have to tiptoe through 40 acres to avoid disrupting a pond containing the endangered desert pupfish.
It's part of the agreements made between Homeland Security and the Interior Departments on how best to protect the environment, frustrating lawmakers who say it should not trump border security.
"Under Secretary Napolitano's leadership, we have strengthened border security beyond what many believed was possible," Obama said.
He continued, "They wanted more agents on the border. Well, we now have more boots on the ground on the southwest border than at any time in our history."
There are also more hooves on the ground. Border Patrol agents can mount a horse to give chase across the delicate territories, but the animals must consume weed-free-feed or their waste must be scooped up and disposed elsewhere to protect the fragile ecosystem against invasive weed species.
Some Republican lawmakers have had enough of what they call "arbitrary regulations," and are pushing legislation in the House and Senate to put border patrol agents back in the driver's seat.
READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=43590
— Audrey Hudson
"Boots on the ground"-that's what President Barack Obama says is protecting our southern border-20,000 border patrol agents, 40,000 boots on the ground.
He said it last week during a speech in El Paso, Tex., and a new investigation by HUMAN EVENTS concurs.
Well, the boots on the ground part anyway, because Border Patrol agents have to abandon their vehicles at makeshift Normandy-style fences constructed by our own Park Service on the U.S. side of the border. They are then forced to chase illegal aliens on foot so as not to disturb the fragile desert ecosystem.
In one Arizona park, federal agents practically have to tiptoe through 40 acres to avoid disrupting a pond containing the endangered desert pupfish.
It's part of the agreements made between Homeland Security and the Interior Departments on how best to protect the environment, frustrating lawmakers who say it should not trump border security.
"Under Secretary Napolitano's leadership, we have strengthened border security beyond what many believed was possible," Obama said.
He continued, "They wanted more agents on the border. Well, we now have more boots on the ground on the southwest border than at any time in our history."
There are also more hooves on the ground. Border Patrol agents can mount a horse to give chase across the delicate territories, but the animals must consume weed-free-feed or their waste must be scooped up and disposed elsewhere to protect the fragile ecosystem against invasive weed species.
Some Republican lawmakers have had enough of what they call "arbitrary regulations," and are pushing legislation in the House and Senate to put border patrol agents back in the driver's seat.
READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=43590
— Audrey Hudson
Monday, March 21, 2011
Californians for Population Stabilization - ALERT! New bill in Congress to secure border!
ALERT! New bill in Congress to secure border!
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that only 44 percent of the southwest border is under operation control, and only 15 percent of the border is airtight. In other words, 56 percent of our border with Mexico is unsecured!
In response, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine, CA), has introduced The Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act, HR 1091, which would authorize an additional 350 miles of fencing along the border.
Under existing law, the DHS was given until December 2008 to identify specific locations on the border for construction of infrastructure. This bill would give legal authority to DHS to build additional infrastructure where needed. It would also require DHS to report to Congress if apprehensions increase in any border sector by 40 percent in one year and then to submit a plan for gaining operational control of that sector.
ACTION NEEDEDTell your Representative that we must secure the border against illegal immigration. Send a fax or an e-mail by entering your ZIP Code and clicking "Go!" http://capwiz.com/caps/issues/alert/?alertid=36732521
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that only 44 percent of the southwest border is under operation control, and only 15 percent of the border is airtight. In other words, 56 percent of our border with Mexico is unsecured!
In response, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine, CA), has introduced The Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act, HR 1091, which would authorize an additional 350 miles of fencing along the border.
Under existing law, the DHS was given until December 2008 to identify specific locations on the border for construction of infrastructure. This bill would give legal authority to DHS to build additional infrastructure where needed. It would also require DHS to report to Congress if apprehensions increase in any border sector by 40 percent in one year and then to submit a plan for gaining operational control of that sector.
ACTION NEEDEDTell your Representative that we must secure the border against illegal immigration. Send a fax or an e-mail by entering your ZIP Code and clicking "Go!" http://capwiz.com/caps/issues/alert/?alertid=36732521
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Patriot Post
New & Notable Legislation
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) introduced legislation for the lame-duck session that would repeal right-to-work laws in 22 states. Currently, workers in those states employed in unionized companies can choose whether to join the union and pay dues. In the other 28 states, known as "forced dues" states, it's legal for unions to mandate that all workers pay union dues and to fire workers who don't comply. This is a blatantly obvious power grab by unions and their minions in the Democrat Party. Sherman disguises it as an attempt to level the playing field for "forced dues" states like his native California that "have to compete with the race to the bottom as our companies have to compete with those where the workers would like better wages, working conditions and benefits but are unable to organize to get them."
Sherman is either incorrect or just plain lying about the fact that workers in right-to-work states don't have the right to unionize. Nothing prevents unionizing in these states other than workers' votes. Furthermore, while he's correct that California businesses are losing out to right-to-work states, that's because unions have put such a squeeze on companies to enrich their own bank accounts that many choose not to set up shop there. Others have simply moved to other states.
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced legislation that would require the president to deploy a minimum of 10,000 National Guard troops to the southern border in an effort to stem the tide of illegal immigration. "The uniqueness of this," said Poe, is that the troops "would be paid by the federal government, because everybody says it is the responsibility of the federal government to protect the border. So the federal government will use the resources it already has to pay for those 10,000 National Guard troops, but they will be supervised by the governors of the four states on the border."
In other news, the House is waiting on the Senate to take action on some 420 bills it has passed since January 2009. We never thought we'd say it, but we're thankful for the 111th Senate.
http://patriotpost.us/edition/2010/10/08/digest/
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) introduced legislation for the lame-duck session that would repeal right-to-work laws in 22 states. Currently, workers in those states employed in unionized companies can choose whether to join the union and pay dues. In the other 28 states, known as "forced dues" states, it's legal for unions to mandate that all workers pay union dues and to fire workers who don't comply. This is a blatantly obvious power grab by unions and their minions in the Democrat Party. Sherman disguises it as an attempt to level the playing field for "forced dues" states like his native California that "have to compete with the race to the bottom as our companies have to compete with those where the workers would like better wages, working conditions and benefits but are unable to organize to get them."
Sherman is either incorrect or just plain lying about the fact that workers in right-to-work states don't have the right to unionize. Nothing prevents unionizing in these states other than workers' votes. Furthermore, while he's correct that California businesses are losing out to right-to-work states, that's because unions have put such a squeeze on companies to enrich their own bank accounts that many choose not to set up shop there. Others have simply moved to other states.
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced legislation that would require the president to deploy a minimum of 10,000 National Guard troops to the southern border in an effort to stem the tide of illegal immigration. "The uniqueness of this," said Poe, is that the troops "would be paid by the federal government, because everybody says it is the responsibility of the federal government to protect the border. So the federal government will use the resources it already has to pay for those 10,000 National Guard troops, but they will be supervised by the governors of the four states on the border."
In other news, the House is waiting on the Senate to take action on some 420 bills it has passed since January 2009. We never thought we'd say it, but we're thankful for the 111th Senate.
http://patriotpost.us/edition/2010/10/08/digest/
Friday, July 2, 2010
Obama's Speech Misleads Americans on Illegal Immigration & Amnesty
Obama's Speech Misleads Americans on Illegal Immigration & Amnesty
July 1, 2010
CONTACT: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC)
(866) 703-0864 WilliamG@alipac.us
ALIPAC is responding to President Obama's immigration speech by calling on him to abandon his push for Amnesty for illegal aliens and to honor his oath of office and the requirements of the US Constitution by enforcing America's existing border and immigration laws.
"We call on all candidates for Congress to clearly state their opposition to Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "President Obama is committing a form of Treason against the American public by refusing to adequately enforce our existing immigration and border laws at the behest Global corporations and financial influences intent upon usurping the self-governance of the American public. Americans want immigration enforcement, instead of Obama's Amnesty and we expect voters to punish Amnesty supporters in the 2010 elections."
Obama mischaracterized legal immigrants in today's speech, as he criticized Arizona's new law, SB 1070, which is now being considered in more than twenty states!
Obama cited the contributions of Albert Einstein, Nicola Tesla, and many other legal immigrants to the United States. It is patently insulting and a cheap political trick to compare law abiding legal immigrants with illegal aliens who willingly violate a series of US laws to take what is not theirs and what is not freely given by American citizens.
"Obama's speech was the same old tricks, since he confused legal immigrants with illegal aliens, and offered the false choice of blanket amnesty vs. mass deportations," said William Gheen. "Obama is trying to trick the American public by confusing legal and illegal and offering false choices, instead of doing his job properly."
Obama's speech was made at American University, which is where Dr. Robert Pastor has advocated the formation of a North American Community, which has been called a North American Union by those opposed to the components of the plan that calls for a path to citizenship for illegal aliens. Obama also used the words 'Security and Prosperity' in his speech to convey his support for the Pastor plan, which was manifest during the Bush administration as the Security and Prosperity Partnership or SPP.
ALIPAC is launching a revised website at www.AgainstAmnesty.com to help Americans track, spread, and pass versions of Arizona's immigration laws in other states. Twenty states are currently listed.
ALIPAC will launch candidate surveys and pledges to all Federal candidates on July 5th that are designed to help voters determine which candidates support or oppose the Bush/Obama Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty plan. ALIPAC intends to endorse candidates who oppose the plan, while encouraging Americans to contribute to and volunteer on those endorsed campaigns.
"We encourage our political opposition to make sure their candidates proudly display their support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty," said William Gheen. "We will encourage our candidates to display their opposition. That way, the American public can clear many of these traitors out of office this year."
For more information or to schedule interviews, please visit www.alipac.us and www.AgainstAmnesty.com
July 1, 2010
CONTACT: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC)
(866) 703-0864 WilliamG@alipac.us
ALIPAC is responding to President Obama's immigration speech by calling on him to abandon his push for Amnesty for illegal aliens and to honor his oath of office and the requirements of the US Constitution by enforcing America's existing border and immigration laws.
"We call on all candidates for Congress to clearly state their opposition to Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "President Obama is committing a form of Treason against the American public by refusing to adequately enforce our existing immigration and border laws at the behest Global corporations and financial influences intent upon usurping the self-governance of the American public. Americans want immigration enforcement, instead of Obama's Amnesty and we expect voters to punish Amnesty supporters in the 2010 elections."
Obama mischaracterized legal immigrants in today's speech, as he criticized Arizona's new law, SB 1070, which is now being considered in more than twenty states!
Obama cited the contributions of Albert Einstein, Nicola Tesla, and many other legal immigrants to the United States. It is patently insulting and a cheap political trick to compare law abiding legal immigrants with illegal aliens who willingly violate a series of US laws to take what is not theirs and what is not freely given by American citizens.
"Obama's speech was the same old tricks, since he confused legal immigrants with illegal aliens, and offered the false choice of blanket amnesty vs. mass deportations," said William Gheen. "Obama is trying to trick the American public by confusing legal and illegal and offering false choices, instead of doing his job properly."
Obama's speech was made at American University, which is where Dr. Robert Pastor has advocated the formation of a North American Community, which has been called a North American Union by those opposed to the components of the plan that calls for a path to citizenship for illegal aliens. Obama also used the words 'Security and Prosperity' in his speech to convey his support for the Pastor plan, which was manifest during the Bush administration as the Security and Prosperity Partnership or SPP.
ALIPAC is launching a revised website at www.AgainstAmnesty.com to help Americans track, spread, and pass versions of Arizona's immigration laws in other states. Twenty states are currently listed.
ALIPAC will launch candidate surveys and pledges to all Federal candidates on July 5th that are designed to help voters determine which candidates support or oppose the Bush/Obama Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty plan. ALIPAC intends to endorse candidates who oppose the plan, while encouraging Americans to contribute to and volunteer on those endorsed campaigns.
"We encourage our political opposition to make sure their candidates proudly display their support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty," said William Gheen. "We will encourage our candidates to display their opposition. That way, the American public can clear many of these traitors out of office this year."
For more information or to schedule interviews, please visit www.alipac.us and www.AgainstAmnesty.com
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