Mexican state governments study possibility of giving migrants GPS locators

7KPLC/AP ^ | 01/05/2007

[IrishMike]

MEXICO CITY Mexican officials are studying the possibility of giving global positioning systems to migrants thinking about crossing the border into the U-S.

Supporters of the idea say they could be used to help the Border Patrol agents locate migrants in trouble. Hundreds of Mexicans are killed each year trying to sneak illegally into the U-S. Some drown, while others die in the heat.

A Mexican university is developing the locators, which would be given to migrants for free. American officials haven't signed off on the plan.

Anti-immigration groups have criticized similar efforts to help migrants but Mexican officials deny it will encourage illegal migration.

[IrishMike]

...."American officials haven't signed off on the plan".... WTF

[AZRepublican]

They'll be giving them talking points on how to present themselves as homo's escaping persecution.

[Lazamataz]

Supporters of the idea say they could be used to help the Border Patrol agents locate migrants in trouble.

How about....ohhh, I dunno....using to help the Border Patrol agents locate migrants ILLEGALLY CROSSING?

Repeal all our immigration laws. The willful lack of enforcement makes them meaningless.

[3AngelaD]

Making it easier for them to get up here and claim their new US Social Security benefit. Is there any way to jam these things, perhaps aim the illegals at Guatemala? Do these devices call 911, like the one in my car?

[winodog]

Greyhound and Amtrak could use the extra work. We can pay for it with all our left over tax money. Then we can hire more illegal mexicans.

[Shots]

"A Mexican university is developing the locator's, which would be given to migrants for free. American officials haven't signed off on the plan. "

That is a new twist that was not mentioned when the story broke last week. We can always hope the darn things will not work considering Mexicans will be building them. Surely if they cannot even make keys and locks or toy trains or cars, what makes them think they can make GPS?

[UpAllNight]

--Surely if they cannot even make keys and locks or toy trains or cars, what makes them think they can make GPS?--

Look inside your computer or cell phone. You will probably find several "Made in Mexico" stampings.

[Swordfished]

Scrappleface?

[freekitty]

I bet somehow we will be paying for them.

[Elsie]

It'd be cheaper just to 'give' BUS TICKETS!

[Elsie]

Is there any way to jam these things...

Why yes...

Yes there is...

http://computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,77702,00.html

[Elsie]

Is there any way to jam these things...

Why yes...

Yes there is...

http://computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,77702,00.html

[3AngelaD]

Then I guess my next question would be, can we jam the Mexicans' GPS devices without screwing up our own military?

[Little Ray]

This SHOULD be the basis for an ultimatum, followed, if necessary, by a declaration of war.

Unfortunately, Dane and our government are on the side of the barbarians.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Build the fence, now!!

http://www.weneedafence.com

[Elsie]

Well, the signal recieved by a GPS device is VERY weak, as it has to be broadcast over the entire surface of the Earth. (Half of it anyway)

The GPS receiving devices have an antenna that is NOT directional, for the 'direction' of the satellite signals changes rapidly as it passes overhead.

So, a jammer that is CLOSE the the receiver doesn't need much power to overcome the true signal. [If one knew just WHERE these Mexican GPSes (GPI?) were likely to be used, then a DIRECTIONAL antenna on the jammer, aimed they way, would GREATLY reduce spillover to adversely affect other, LEGAL, GPS users.]

[Elsie]

I propose large magnets near the border, to make the N on their compasses point SOUTH!!!!