Border Protection

IN THIS SECTION   Corruption     Legislation-Brief     WOLA Report 2017 Lessons From San Diego’s Border Wall     Arizona     Articles-Arizona     California  brief    New Mexico     Articles-New Mexico    Migrant Deaths Along Border     Trump     Border Agent Incident (Lorenzo Hernandez) (scroll down if links are not active) Also see Tunnels-Smuggling Corruption  The Hill 2017/05/16  Why is Congress proposing to increase customs and https //thehill com/blogs/congress-blog/homeland-security/333698-why-is-congress-proposing-to-increase- customs-and Mother Jones 2020/01/23   Torture, Rape, and Kidnapping at the Border: A New Report Lays Bare the Horror of Trump’s Asylum Plan: Less than 1 percent of 24,000 so-called Remain in Mexico cases have resulted in asylum protection.  By Camille Squires. [Note from PF:  See Media/Alt News for more on Mother Jones]https //www motherjones com/politics/2020/01/migrant-protection-protocols-remain-in-mexico-trump/ Newsweek 2019/11/29   Exclusive: Border Patrol Knew About Harrowing 'Game Of Smiles' Sexual Assault Claims, But Did Not Take Action, Former Official Says.  BY CHANTAL DA SILVA https: /www newsweek com/border-patrol-game-smiles-sexual-assault-1447434 Excerpt:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection leadership knew about an alleged sexual assault in which a female Border Patrol trainee claimed to have been raped by at least one instructor and multiple male peers at a graduation party—but they did not take proper action in the years following the incident, a former internal affairs chief has told Newsweek.  James Tomsheck was head of internal affairs from 2006 to 2014 before being removed from the role amid criticism of his team's handling of allegations of inappropriate use of force by Border Patrol agents. POGO 2018/04/13  13 CBP Employees Arrested for Corruption this Administration BY MIA STEINLE https //www pogo org/investigation/2018/04/13-cbp-employees-arrested-for-corruption-this-administration/ LEGISLATION  (Brief, A few points) 2017 Career Professional Speaks Up on Border Patrol Corruption and Corresponding Legislation The Hill 2017/05/16  Why Is Congress proposing to increase Customs and Border Protection corruption?  By James Tomsheck https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/homeland-security/333698-why-is-congress-proposing-to- increase-customs-and Excerpt:  During my 40-year career in law enforcement I served as a police officer, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, and Assistant Commissioner at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), heading the Office of Internal Affairs.  In these positions, I was guided by one principle: law enforcement’s vital mission must be accomplished with integrity. From those decades of experience, the cases that most disturb me are people who applied to work at CBP - the country’s largest law enforcement agency - and admitted in the screening process to committing serious criminal offenses, including drug smuggling, rape, and infanticide, or confessed to seeking employment as infiltrators paid by transnational criminal organizations or cartels…Based on my experience, I have an urgent obligation to speak out against a law Congress is close to enacting that would weaken CBP hiring standards imposed by the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010. The House Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act (H.R.2213), scheduled for a floor vote on Wednesday, and the Senate Boots on the Border Act (S. 595), scheduled to be considered that morning by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, would exempt certain law enforcement and military applicants for CBP positions from the polygraph examination only recently mandated by Congress.  Mandatory polygraphs for all CBP law enforcement applicants, which are standard at the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service, were a congressional response to widespread corruption and other policing abuses at CBP that followed a rushed hiring surge last decade. Damaging compromises of CBP integrity ensued, including cartel infiltration achieved by hired applicants  who did harm to the United States.  I know from first-hand experience that the bills moving in Congress, backed by current CBP leadership desperate to hire more agents, would exacerbate corruption and abusive misconduct by adding unsuitable personnel who conceal criminal pasts - and/or have future intent to compromise CBP's mission - so as to threaten our national security.  Indeed, a random sample of 1,000 polygraphs conducted after applicants were cleared by CBP's background screening concluded that 65 percent of these applicants failed the polygraph, with many providing detailed descriptions of their involvement in criminal activity. https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/homeland-security/333698-why-is-congress-proposing-to- increase-customs-and WOLA REPORT 2017 14 DEC 2017 Lessons from San Diego’s Border Wall by Adam Isacson and Maureen Meyer https //www wola org/analysis/wola-report-lessons-san-diegos-border-wall/ Excerpt:  " The border doesn’t need a wall. It needs better-equipped ports of entry, investigative capacity, technology, and far more ability to deal with humanitarian flows.  In its current form, the 2018 Homeland Security Appropriations bill is pursuing a wrong and wasteful approach. The experience of San Diego makes that clear." https //www wola org/analysis/wola-report-lessons-san-diegos-border-wall/  ARIZONA Articles Arizona Central (2019/09/05) Arizona takes $30 million hit for Trump's border wall (Wasn't Mexico supposed to pay?  EJ Montini https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2019/09/05/border-wall-takes-30-million-hit-out- arizona/2221527001/ Narco News Narco News Firestorm US Customs Border Corruption: "Like Gangland Chicago During Prohibition"By Bill Conroy 2004- Note from PF: dated by now, but look for lines of continuity and also pre-9/11 trajectories as well as post-9/11 vulnerabilities https://narconews.com/Issue33/article952.html Excerpt: In Shelly’s version of the story, though, it is the G-men, not the crooks, who take it on the chin. The Customs Internal Affairs special agent in charge (SAC) who spearheaded the formation of the task force, John William Juhasz, claims that it was shut down abruptly because it got too close to the truth. The task force, called Firestorm, included members of the U.S. Customs Service, the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General, the IRS, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Firestorm, prior to being dismantled, was actively investigating some 19 cases of alleged law- enforcement corruption in Arizona, according to public records. https://narconews.com/Issue33/article952.html NBC/US News 2014/06/21 - Border Insecurity: Arizona Ranchers Frustrated Over Smugglers, Crime https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/border-insecurity-arizona-ranchers-frustrated-over-smugglers- crime-n106711 Excerpt: SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA—On a steep and rugged road along the U.S. border, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels pointed to a well-worn foot trail leading from Mexico into Arizona. It's a path, he said, that is frequently used by smugglers to ferry immigrants and drugs into the United States.  Dannels noted that the international border fence there, which stands only a few feet tall, is clearly no deterrent to traffickers who in recent years, he said, have become more aggressive and dangerous to anyone standing in their way. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/border-insecurity-arizona-ranchers-frustrated-over-smugglers- crime-n106711 NPR (2017/02/23) Border Wall Would Cut Across Land Sacred To Native Tribe. By Laurel Morales https://www.npr.org/2017/02/23/516477313/border-wall-would-cut-across-land-sacred-to-native-tribe Excerpt:  The Tohono O'odham people believe their creator lives in the holiest of rocks, Baboquivari Peak; President Trump's wall would cut across this mountain range — as well as sacred burial ground. Jose says they're not asking the Trump administration to get out. The tribe is asking them to collaborate. https://www.npr.org/2017/02/23/516477313/border-wall-would-cut-across-land-sacred-to-native-tribe Code Switch The Environmental Consequences Of A Wall On The U.S.-Mexico Border "We're not your enemy. We're your ally. We want to work with you in protecting America," he says. Sfgate (2019/09/05) In Arizona, Pentagon-funded border fence already underway.  By Astrid Galvan. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/In-Arizona-Pentagon-funded-border-fence-already-14416772.php Arizona Border Defenders:   Private, Not a government agency.  Put here for perspective, information. http://azborderdefenders.org/ NEW MEXICO Border Crossing Towns Southern New Mexico Antelope Hills Columbus Websites/Agencies Border Issues The Conversation 2019/05/05   Nixon and Reagan tried closing the border to pressure Mexico – here’s what happened. By Ailleen Teague https://theconversation.com/nixon-and-reagan-tried-closing-the-border-to-pressure-mexico-heres-what- happened-114956 Global Security dot org  note from Police Factor: excellent overview, gets us right into a wide range of border issues fast Foreign relations US border https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/mexico/foreign-relations-us-border.htm Mexpro  note from Police Factor:  this is being added as an addition to our knowledge of NM borders in general (2017/08/21) Where to Cross the New Mexico/Mexican Border Posted August 21, 2017 by Roxanna Brock McDade & filed under Border Crossing. https://www.mexpro.com/blog/cross-new-mexicomexican-border Excerpt: There are only three border crossings into Mexico from New Mexico, and all cross into the Mexico state of Chihuahua in the western half of the state. If it’s important to you to be able to get to the border quickly and get on your way to your Mexico destination, it may be worth your while to know what roads to take (both going north and south), what services are available and how busy the crossing. Save time by getting the low-down from Mexpro. New Mexico Border Authority http://www.nmborder.com/ Excerpt:  The New Mexico Border Authority is an executive branch state agency that provides leadership in the development of the state's international ports of entry as well as serving as the Governor's advisor and point of contact for those interested in opportunities at the ports of entry. This agency also facilitates new infrastructure, trade opportunities, job opportunities, job training capabilities and many other activities that contribute to development of a productive economy along the New Mexico border US Border Patrol dot com: private website, not associated with government also see New Mexico gangs section http://www.usborderpatrol.com/Border_Patrol90.htm Articles New Mexico Albuq. Jrnl (2019/03/25) Border patrol closes highway checkpoints in New Mexico https://www.abqjournal.com/1296117/border-patrol-closes-highway-checkpoints-in-new-mexico.html Deming Headlight (2019/02/08) Area Rancher shares experience along SW NM border https://www.demingheadlight.com/story/news/2019/02/08/area-rancher-shares-experience-along- southwestern-new-mexico-border/2801165002/ Excerpt:  Russell Johnson, whose ranch borders Mexico, said he has dealt with break-ins, litter, theft and damage to his property and livestock from trespassing immigrants El Paso Times (2019/11/04) Sunland Park [NM] Shooting border patrol agent involved https //www elpasotimes com/story/news/2019/11/04/sunland-park-shooting-border-patrol-agent-involved- nm/4155120002/ KOB (2019/01/27) New Mexico ranchers frustrated with situation along U.S.-Mexico border.  By Chris Ramirez https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/new-mexico-ranchers-frustrated-with-situation-along-us-mexico- border/5220568/ KVIA (2019/04/15) Video: trial for man accused of kidnapping off duty border agent begins https //www kvia com/news/new-mexico/trial-for-man-accused-of-kidnapping-off-duty-border-agent- begins/1069171202 Law Officer dot com (2017/06/11) Border patrol agent kidnapped and tortured in New Mexico https //lawofficer com/news/border-patrol-agent-kidnapped-and-tortured-in-new-mexico/ LC Sun 2020/04/17  U.S. to temporarily close border crossing in New Mexico amid coronavirus https //www lcsun-news com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2020/04/17/amid-coronavirus-u-s-temporarily- closing-new-mexico-border-crossing/5155545002/ Police One (2017/06/21) 2 arrested in off duty NM border agent attack: Agent Lorenzo Hernandez said the suspects, who asked for a ride, pulled out weapons and instructed Hernandez to follow their orders. By Carlos Andres Lopez. https //www policeone com/border-patrol/articles/374294006-2-arrested-in-off-duty-NM-border-agent-attack/ Washington Examiner (2019/07/23) US general cartels are using migrants to distract from drug smuggling at the border. By Russ Read. https //www washingtonexaminer com/policy/defense-national-security/us-general-cartels-are-using- migrants-to-distract-from-drug-smuggling-at-the-border Washington Times (2019/05/27) First-ever private border wall built in New Mexico Half-mile section to close 'gap' in Border Patrol's fence https //www washingtontimes com/news/2019/may/27/first-ever-private-border-wall-built-new-mexico/ Border Agent Incident Lorenzo Hernandez KVIA (2019/04/15) Video: trial for man accused of kidnapping off duty border agent begins https //www kvia com/news/new-mexico/trial-for-man-accused-of-kidnapping-off-duty-border-agent- begins/1069171202 Law Officer dot com (2017/06/11) Border patrol agent kidnapped and tortured in New Mexico https //lawofficer com/news/border-patrol-agent-kidnapped-and-tortured-in-new-mexico/ Police One (2017/06/21) 2 arrested in off duty NM border agent attack: Agent Lorenzo Hernandez said the suspects, who asked for a ride, pulled out weapons and instructed Hernandez to follow their orders. By Carlos Andres Lopez. https //www policeone com/border-patrol/articles/374294006-2-arrested-in-off-duty-NM-border-agent-attack/ MIGRANT DEATHS ALONG BORDER Southern Border dot org Deaths by border patrol https //www southernborder org/deaths_by_border_patrol Wikipedia Migrant deaths along the Mexico US border https //en wikipedia org/wiki/Migrant_deaths_along_the_Mexico–United_States_border TRUMP Detroit News (2019/04/11) Trump admin lawsuits border killings https //www detroitnews com/story/news/nation/2019/04/11/trump-administration-lawsuits-border- killings/39333343/ Fox News (2017/12/05) Dramatic spike in violent attacks against us border agents provokes outrage https //www foxnews com/us/dramatic-spike-in-violent-attacks-against-us-border-agents-provokes-outrage The Intercept (2018/04/23) How the border patrol faked statistics showing a 73 percent rise in assaults against agents. By Debbie Nathan https //theintercept com/2018/04/23/border-patrol-agents-assaulted-cbp-fbi/ New York Times (2019/01/10) Trump along the border of Texas https //www nytimes com/2019/01/10/us/politics/trump-wall-texas-border html Rolling Stone 2018/04/18 How the cartels work.  Mexican drug lords have transformed the narcotics trade in America — and the DEA appears powerless to stop them. By Guy Lawson https //www rollingstone com/politics/politics-news/how-the-cartels-work-245912/ This article appeared in the September 17, 2009 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue is available in the online archive. Excerpt: As the violence in Mexico has escalated, federal officials have stepped up major busts against the cartels in the U.S. Earlier this year, in Operation Xcellerator, the Drug Enforcement Administration made 750 arrests from California to Maryland, seizing $59 million in cash and 23 tons of narcotics — including 12,000 kilos of coke, 1,200 pounds of meth and 1.3 million hits of Ecstasy. The operations employ the same law-enforcement tactics used to disrupt the Mafia in the 1980s, busting low-level flunkies and turning them into informants. So far, though, the DEA’s widely publicized campaign has been a total bust when it comes to nailing top narcos. The target of Operation Xcellerator — a drug lord from the Sinaloan cartels — remains a fugitive, as do four Mexican drug traffickers designated as “narcotics kingpins” in July. According to the DEA, the men operate out of Mexico, overseeing a sophisticated organization in the U.S. that sets prices, tracks shipments, manages employment and handles payoffs. The group has divided the border into “plazas,” each under the control of a specific manager. The name of the outfit, appropriately enough, is the Company. https //www rollingstone com/politics/politics-news/how-the-cartels-work-245912/ Tucson (2019/08/24) Work on Trump border wall starts in Arizona, New Mexico. By Cedar Attanasio and Astrid Galvan The Associated Press  https //tucson com/news/state-and-regional/work-on-trump-border-wall-starts-in-arizona-new- mexico/article_0548c5f3-c165-5dac-9353-87f00a8fcea4 html USA Today (2019/05/11) Trump wants a border wall: The Pentagon announced $1.5B for border barriers Friday. What's the status of the wall? https //www usatoday com/story/news/politics/2019/05/10/trump-wants-border-wall-what-status-its- construction/1145825001/ Washington Post (201901/10)  Amid shutdown, Trump visits McAllen Texas in effort to boost argument for border wall https //www washingtonpost com/politics/trump-to-travel-to-texas-in-effort-to-boost-argument-for-border- wall/2019/01/10/88b39ed6-14e5-11e9-803c-4ef28312c8b9_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1c3119387686 California CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrested Three Convicted Sex Offenders over the Weekend in Three Separate Events Release Date: September 28, 2020 https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-arrested-three-convicted-sex-offenders-over Updates: 2020/10/29 corruption section added including articles from  The Hill, Newsweek, Mother Jones and POGO.  2020/06/11 The Hill-2017/05/16-added; some editing technical; added see also tunnels-smuggling; 2020/03/25 Rolling Stone-2018/04/18 article added;   2019/12/18 El Paso Times-2019/11/04 added; 2019/09/20 articles added - KOB (2019/01/27); NPR (2017/02/23); Tucson (2019/08/24)  2019/09/06 two articles dated 9/5/19 on border wall added - Sfgate, Ariz Repub.  2019/09/05 US Border Patrol dot com added (non-govt listing); also added “In this section” index at top of page; Page started 2019/07/23