(Illegal) Immigration crackdown expands along border

[peejay 327]

Immigration crackdown expands along border

Laredo effort signals an end to return without prosecutions

By JAMES PINKERTON

2007 Houston Chronicle

The U.S. Border Patrol plans to announce today a "zero tolerance" operation to prosecute, jail and deport all illegal immigrants caught in the bustling Laredo area, marking a significant tightening of immigration enforcement along a key U.S. border corridor.

This stepped-up effort is an expansion of the Border Patrol's "Operation Streamline" project in the Del Rio and Yuma, Ariz., sectors, which sharply reduced illegal entries. That is being expanded to the sprawling Laredo sector beginning Wednesday, officials confirmed.

Extending the operation to a large, populous sector such as Laredo — the nation's largest inland port and a growing commercial center — signals a major expansion of a strategy officials plan to implement along the entire Southwest border.

It is a key facet of a Bush administration crackdown not only on the border — where National Guard troops now work with Border Patrol agents — but in the interior, where immigration agents have raided work sites and are targeting fraudulent work documents.

"This program is sending the message we're not letting illegal border-crossers have a free ride," Border Patrol assistant chief Ramon Rivera said. "We're hoping it goes nationwide."

Reactions to the project range from strong support to serious doubts about clogging already overloaded federal courts. More arrests mean more prosecutions, more court dates.

"The idea of doing in Laredo what they do in Del Rio is really terrifying for us," said Marjorie Meyers, who heads the Federal Public Defenders office in Houston, which oversees the Laredo area. "There is no way we can handle it."

Rivera said after the operation began in the Del Rio sector, apprehensions dropped by 46 percent from October 2006 to August, compared with the 2005-06 fiscal year. Agency intelligence indicated that human traffickers have shifted operations downriver to Laredo, he said.

The "zero tolerance" effort ends voluntary return in Laredo, a historic shift in enforcement. For decades, illegal immigrants from Mexico detained on the border were allowed to return home — if they did not have criminal records — without being prosecuted, often the same day they were apprehended.

And last year, Border Patrol ended "catch-and-release," the practice of freeing non-Mexican illegal immigrants after giving them a notice to appear before an immigration judge. Most immigrants never kept their court dates, officials acknowledged.

Dockets will fill up

The Laredo sector takes in 171 miles of Rio Grande frontage, extending to the Oklahoma border and including San Antonio and Dallas.

Details of the operation's coverage within the sector would be released today, officials said.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, supports the operation but acknowledged it could add to strained border dockets.

"At the beginning, you'll see a spike in cases in the court but after awhile it will go down because it will be a deterrent," Cuellar said. "There's a criminal (smuggling) network out there ... and they'll get the message pretty quickly that if they come they're going to serve time."

Cuellar said he has sponsored legislation to add three federal judges to South Texas, and hopes one will be assigned to Laredo.

Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas, a retired FBI official, said the government has a duty to enforce the law but he's not certain it will work.

Salinas instead favors an expanded guest worker program for immigrants.

"The underlying solution to illegal immigration is solid, comprehensive reform legislation now — the longer we wait, the worse it gets," he said.

Mexican officials, who have been invited to attend today's announcement at sector headquarters in Laredo, said they would wait to comment.

"'It's very important for us," said Javier Abud, the Mexican consul in Laredo. "It's a very sensitive operation for our Mexican nationals."

Misdemeanor charge

When the pilot program began in Del Rio in December 2005, courtrooms were packed with undocumented immigrants who were prosecuted, jailed and then deported. But despite the crowding, there was sufficient space in area jails to house the immigrants.

The majority of the illegal immigrants are expected to be charged with entry without inspection, Border Patrol officials said. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum 180-day jail sentence.

After they serve their time, they are deported. Those with previous deportations, or criminal convictions, face more serious felony charges carrying maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Rivera said the Laredo area has sufficient detention space in three jails.

Meanwhile, Meyers, with the Federal Public Defenders office, is concerned that the 17 attorneys in the Laredo office won't be able to provide effective representation to an expected influx of indigent clients.

"These cases are not simple," Meyers said. "We've had cases with people who thought they were aliens and turned out they were U.S. citizens. So it's not something where you say, 'OK, you're guilty, see you later.' "

'They've done just fine'

U.S. court officials in Laredo referred questions about staffing issues to Houston officials, who were not available for comment.

However, Rivera said the Laredo operation is a joint effort of the Border Patrol, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the U.S. courts, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies.

"The same question was brought up in the Del Rio sector, and they've done just fine," said Rivera, referring to legal representation. "Remember, we're working in collaboration with other entities ... everybody is working overtime on this."

And, the Border Patrol is expecting big results in the Laredo sector.

"Laredo has a bigger city on the Mexican side, so we're hoping we get a better return out of this operation than in Del Rio," Rivera said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5247361.html

[Jasman0717 9]

Right on

[archie07 0]

There are several bills now in congress that havn't been passed yet pertaining to border patrol. http://www.govtrack.us/users/events.xpd?mo...isc:activebills

[archie07 0]

There are several bills now in congress that havn't been passed yet pertaining to border patrol. http://www.govtrack.us/users/events.xpd?mo...isc:activebills

Must have been last months bill that passed, I don't find it in the link I posted.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

Immigration crackdown expands along border

Laredo effort signals an end to return without prosecutions

By JAMES PINKERTON

2007 Houston Chronicle

The U.S. Border Patrol plans to announce today a "zero tolerance" operation to prosecute, jail and deport all illegal immigrants caught in the bustling Laredo area, marking a significant tightening of immigration enforcement along a key U.S. border corridor.

This stepped-up effort is an expansion of the Border Patrol's "Operation Streamline" project in the Del Rio and Yuma, Ariz., sectors, which sharply reduced illegal entries. That is being expanded to the sprawling Laredo sector beginning Wednesday, officials confirmed.

Extending the operation to a large, populous sector such as Laredo — the nation's largest inland port and a growing commercial center — signals a major expansion of a strategy officials plan to implement along the entire Southwest border.

It is a key facet of a Bush administration crackdown not only on the border — where National Guard troops now work with Border Patrol agents — but in the interior, where immigration agents have raided work sites and are targeting fraudulent work documents.

"This program is sending the message we're not letting illegal border-crossers have a free ride," Border Patrol assistant chief Ramon Rivera said. "We're hoping it goes nationwide."

Reactions to the project range from strong support to serious doubts about clogging already overloaded federal courts. More arrests mean more prosecutions, more court dates.

"The idea of doing in Laredo what they do in Del Rio is really terrifying for us," said Marjorie Meyers, who heads the Federal Public Defenders office in Houston, which oversees the Laredo area. "There is no way we can handle it."

Rivera said after the operation began in the Del Rio sector, apprehensions dropped by 46 percent from October 2006 to August, compared with the 2005-06 fiscal year. Agency intelligence indicated that human traffickers have shifted operations downriver to Laredo, he said.

The "zero tolerance" effort ends voluntary return in Laredo, a historic shift in enforcement. For decades, illegal immigrants from Mexico detained on the border were allowed to return home — if they did not have criminal records — without being prosecuted, often the same day they were apprehended.

And last year, Border Patrol ended "catch-and-release," the practice of freeing non-Mexican illegal immigrants after giving them a notice to appear before an immigration judge. Most immigrants never kept their court dates, officials acknowledged.

Dockets will fill up

The Laredo sector takes in 171 miles of Rio Grande frontage, extending to the Oklahoma border and including San Antonio and Dallas.

Details of the operation's coverage within the sector would be released today, officials said.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, supports the operation but acknowledged it could add to strained border dockets.

"At the beginning, you'll see a spike in cases in the court but after awhile it will go down because it will be a deterrent," Cuellar said. "There's a criminal (smuggling) network out there ... and they'll get the message pretty quickly that if they come they're going to serve time."

Cuellar said he has sponsored legislation to add three federal judges to South Texas, and hopes one will be assigned to Laredo.

Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas, a retired FBI official, said the government has a duty to enforce the law but he's not certain it will work.

Salinas instead favors an expanded guest worker program for immigrants.

"The underlying solution to illegal immigration is solid, comprehensive reform legislation now — the longer we wait, the worse it gets," he said.

Mexican officials, who have been invited to attend today's announcement at sector headquarters in Laredo, said they would wait to comment.

"'It's very important for us," said Javier Abud, the Mexican consul in Laredo. "It's a very sensitive operation for our Mexican nationals."

Misdemeanor charge

When the pilot program began in Del Rio in December 2005, courtrooms were packed with undocumented immigrants who were prosecuted, jailed and then deported. But despite the crowding, there was sufficient space in area jails to house the immigrants.

The majority of the illegal immigrants are expected to be charged with entry without inspection, Border Patrol officials said. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum 180-day jail sentence.

After they serve their time, they are deported. Those with previous deportations, or criminal convictions, face more serious felony charges carrying maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Rivera said the Laredo area has sufficient detention space in three jails.

Meanwhile, Meyers, with the Federal Public Defenders office, is concerned that the 17 attorneys in the Laredo office won't be able to provide effective representation to an expected influx of indigent clients.

"These cases are not simple," Meyers said. "We've had cases with people who thought they were aliens and turned out they were U.S. citizens. So it's not something where you say, 'OK, you're guilty, see you later.' "

'They've done just fine'

U.S. court officials in Laredo referred questions about staffing issues to Houston officials, who were not available for comment.

However, Rivera said the Laredo operation is a joint effort of the Border Patrol, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the U.S. courts, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies.

"The same question was brought up in the Del Rio sector, and they've done just fine," said Rivera, referring to legal representation. "Remember, we're working in collaboration with other entities ... everybody is working overtime on this."

And, the Border Patrol is expecting big results in the Laredo sector.

"Laredo has a bigger city on the Mexican side, so we're hoping we get a better return out of this operation than in Del Rio," Rivera said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5247361.html

About time, Round em up Deport them Immediatly!

[AmericanGentleman 0]

Deport them? Heh that funny. Have you ever considered the math behind such a concept? Think about the logistics of moving 20 million people by force. The last time something like that happened, it took an act of God..literally(Moses).

The only logical solution is stop the flow first by securing the border, then give those here a path for legalization that starts at the back of the line.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Deport them? Heh that funny. Have you ever considered the math behind such a concept? Think about the logistics of moving 20 million people by force. The last time something like that happened, it took an act of God..literally(Moses).

The only logical solution is stop the flow first by securing the border, then give those here a path for legalization that starts at the back of the line.

Yeah. The math didn't stop us from going to the moon either.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

Deport them? Heh that funny. Have you ever considered the math behind such a concept? Think about the logistics of moving 20 million people by force. The last time something like that happened, it took an act of God..literally(Moses).

The only logical solution is stop the flow first by securing the border, then give those here a path for legalization that starts at the back of the line.

They should NOT be Allowed a "path to legalization" by remaining in the US, Back of the Line On THEIR side of the border. Then They RE-Enter after 5 year ban and pay fines & penalties.

Then Yes

[Gaby&Talbert 1]

We made the mess ourselves the problem is what is the best way to fix it? The last amnesty problem was that nothing was done after to keep it from happening again. Maybe this time they realize that it is a mistake to try to pass any laws for amnesty until they can ensure it wont have to be done again in 10 years. There is nobody in the US that can't get a job because of illegal workers. If Americans say they pay is low because of illegal workers it is BULL.

They best way to increase your income is to get an education and work very hard to improve your life. Minimum wage is for people who are starting in the workforce, not for people that work hard, learn to excel at what they do, and try to improve their education. Illegal aliens are not taking any high paying jobs or even the good paying jobs. I would like to see one single american that stives to good a good job and be a responsible employee and can't get hired because all the jobs available to him are taken by an illegal alien.

I agree some illegal aliens try to take advantage of government funded services but it bothers me that lazy americans take advantage of the same programs also.

No solution is going to make everyone happy but one solution that must be followed through solving future problems with immigration. We either must secure the border or work with the other countries that share our borders to improve thier economic conditions.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

We made the mess ourselves the problem is what is the best way to fix it? The last amnesty problem was that nothing was done after to keep it from happening again. Maybe this time they realize that it is a mistake to try to pass any laws for amnesty until they can ensure it wont have to be done again in 10 years. There is nobody in the US that can't get a job because of illegal workers. If Americans say they pay is low because of illegal workers it is BULL.

They best way to increase your income is to get an education and work very hard to improve your life. Minimum wage is for people who are starting in the workforce, not for people that work hard, learn to excel at what they do, and try to improve their education. Illegal aliens are not taking any high paying jobs or even the good paying jobs. I would like to see one single american that stives to good a good job and be a responsible employee and can't get hired because all the jobs available to him are taken by an illegal alien.

I agree some illegal aliens try to take advantage of government funded services but it bothers me that lazy americans take advantage of the same programs also.

No solution is going to make everyone happy but one solution that must be followed through solving future problems with immigration. We either must secure the border or work with the other countries that share our borders to improve thier economic conditions.

They all Broke the law & Continue to break the law every day they remain in usa & Work illegally, which IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE US TAX PAYERS & GOVT. and should NOT be allowed Access to any solcial services, eduication, housing assiatnce & should not be allowed to remain in the USA. They should return to where they came from and Enter by legal means.

[peejay 327]

I agree some illegal aliens try to take advantage of government funded services but it bothers me that lazy americans take advantage of the same programs also.

Excuse me...but they happen to be Americans. Where are the "government funded services" provided by Mexico for their own people? The richest man in the world is a Mexican. #######?

It bothers me that Mexico kicks its citizens over the border for the American taxpayer to deal with instead of dealing with their own and solving their own problems (most self inflicted). Freeloading Americans are one thing...freeloading Mexicans are a separate issue. It ain't equal in my book. Importing mass poverty is totally insane. It's bad enough that we have our own to deal with.

Freeloading American employers that nationalize the subsidizing of their illegal workforce on the taxpayer while privatizing the profits are another thing altogether. That needs to come to a screaching halt too. I don't buy the baloney that the US economy will collapse and that the price of domestic goods will skyrocket without mass illegal immigration.

I agree that the US government is incompetent and corrupt in letting this situation get to the sorry state that now exists. Amnesty is not the answer. Massive roundups and deportations of millions are not the answer. Attrition through enforcement is the answer. After 20+ years of not enforcing existing immigration laws and not securing the border, it will take years of enforcement to stomp out the illegal jobs magnet and turn it around. If they can't work or access US social services...most of the illegals will go home. What else can they do? Cruel? It needs to be done and should have been done in 1986.

It's time for Mexico to solve its own problems instead of dumping them across the border. It's time for high priced CEO's to earn their keep and figure out how to turn a profit legally and without institutionalized corruption to pad the bottom line.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I needed a job done at home, didn't have the time to do it myself - got a quote from a few Americans and then from an illegal. The illegal came in at 1/3rd the cost of the cheapest American.

No brainer. Mass deportations will drive up costs and induce inflationary pressures. A very bad idea, IOW.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

I agree some illegal aliens try to take advantage of government funded services but it bothers me that lazy americans take advantage of the same programs also.

Excuse me...but they happen to be Americans. Where are the "government funded services" provided by Mexico for their own people? The richest man in the world is a Mexican. #######?

It bothers me that Mexico kicks its citizens over the border for the American taxpayer to deal with instead of dealing with their own and solving their own problems (most self inflicted). Freeloading Americans are one thing...freeloading Mexicans are a separate issue. It ain't equal in my book. Importing mass poverty is totally insane. It's bad enough that we have our own to deal with.

Freeloading American employers that nationalize the subsidizing of their illegal workforce on the taxpayer while privatizing the profits are another thing altogether. That needs to come to a screaching halt too. I don't buy the baloney that the US economy will collapse and that the price of domestic goods will skyrocket without mass illegal immigration.

I agree that the US government is incompetent and corrupt in letting this situation get to the sorry state that now exists. Amnesty is not the answer. Massive roundups and deportations of millions are not the answer. Attrition through enforcement is the answer. After 20+ years of not enforcing existing immigration laws and not securing the border, it will take years of enforcement to stomp out the illegal jobs magnet and turn it around. If they can't work or access US social services...most of the illegals will go home. What else can they do? Cruel? It needs to be done and should have been done in 1986.

It's time for Mexico to solve its own problems instead of dumping them across the border. It's time for high priced CEO's to earn their keep and figure out how to turn a profit legally and without institutionalized corruption to pad the bottom line.

I agree Not only cut off their line of illegal employment ,) Penalize employers even individuals who hire nanny's and gardeners should be Prosecuted & made to pay heafty fines for employee illegal Aliens. Cut them Off from ANY non emergency services, that includes subsidized Housing utilities, Food assistance, Education or non emergency care. If you dont feed the strays they won't come around anymore & will be forced to go back where they came from.

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

I needed a job done at home, didn't have the time to do it myself - got a quote from a few Americans and then from an illegal. The illegal came in at 1/3rd the cost of the cheapest American.

No brainer. Mass deportations will drive up costs and induce inflationary pressures. A very bad idea, IOW.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that The MAerican tax Payers are already paying for the Illegals, What you save in labor on the front end you are paying elsewhere such as higher Health Insurance costs, Hiring taxes to pay for social services that these illegals Take adavnatge of, Higher Auot insurance ( Unisured driver coverage) Higher rent in areas where illegals occupy 30 to a home, Property values decrease due to the ####### that starts filling the neighborhoods.

You are paying more for illegals than if you went & Hired an american for a little extar $ you get insurance of the investment, the job is done in majority of cases by a SKILLED individual with insuarnce who is bonded, You are helping the economy instead of paying some illegal leech whop will only send that money Back over the border. So if you think you are saving money by hiring an illegal you are the brainless one.

[bradcanuck 1]

Currently there are no consequences. California, TX, NM and AZ are full of Mexicans who don't CARE about being illegal because once they are here they all live together, share credit etc.

Until in-home Gestapo style raids happen the US will be a problem. Trying to flush them out will cause them to burrow harder.

There is no solution right now that makes sense.