Posted on 05/09/2006 9:16:57 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
The U.S. Border Patrol is alerting Mexican officials when civilian border patrol groups detain or allegedly mistreat suspected illegal immigrants, according to a newspaper report published Tuesday.
The policy is meant to assure the Mexican government that migrants' rights are being observed, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Mario Martinez told the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin of Ontario.
On Tuesday, the agency called the article inaccurate.
Citing interviews with Border Patrol agents and documents on a Mexican government Web site, the newspaper reported agents notify Mexican authorities when members of civilian groups such as the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps apprehend or allegedly use violence against border crossers.
"If an alien is encountered by a Minuteman or arrested by the Minuteman, then we will allow that government to interview the person," Martinez told the newspaper.
The report also cited three documents on the Web site of the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations that say Mexican consulates are in close contact with Border Patrol officials regarding the safety of border crossers who have been stopped by civilian groups.
T.J. Bonner, president of the Border Patrol agents' union, said members have long complained that the Mexican government has undue influence over U.S. enforcement policies.
"That's not a legitimate role for any foreign nation," Bonner said.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C., issued a statement disputing the newspaper's report.
"Border Patrol does not report activity by civilian, non-law enforcement groups to the government of Mexico," according to the statement. "During a detention of a legal or illegal immigrant that produces an allegation of improper treatment, Border Patrol reports the allegation and allows the appropriate consulate to interview the individual in custody."
The Daily Bulletin's managing editor, Jeff Keating, said Tuesday the newspaper stands by its story.
Martinez did not immediately return a message left Tuesday by The Associated Press, and an after-hours call to the Mexican embassy in Washington, D.C., was not immediately returned.
Minuteman members said any contact between the Border Patrol and Mexican officials negates the group's effectiveness and could endanger the lives of its members.
"It's unbelievable that our own government agency is sending intelligence to another country," said Chris Simcox, the organization's founder. "They are sending intelligence to a nation where corruption runs rampant, and that could be getting into the hands of criminal cartels."
Daily Bulletin is standing by story as reported.
Both the Border Patrol and the White House dispute this story.
http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1629558/posts?page=339
At least this time they included the information that debunks the original claims.
Thanks Norm. I am still waiting to see supporting evidence that this story is phony as some FReepers have stated on another thread.
Apparently, World Net Daily can be accurate sometimes, though still not enough to be reliable.
Ummmm, does this mean nothing to you..."The U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C., issued a statement disputing the newspaper's report."
Well, what will it take?
It says right there
Border Patrol does not report activity by civilian, non-law enforcement groups to the government of Mexico," according to the statement. "During a detention of a legal or illegal immigrant that produces an allegation of improper treatment, Border Patrol reports the allegation and allows the appropriate consulate to interview the individual in custody."
What "proof" do you need?
Oh yur one of them 'fake but accurate' never again kind of folks. I heard of you. ;-)
We'll see what the 'morrow brings, as they say.
It sure had things hopping and a 'jumpin' today.
about the World Net Daily article which touched on a similar topic.
Sort of like CBS stood by their Bush national guard forgery story. Until they couldn't any more.
The evidence is in the story. The border patrol disputes the story. And the WH, according to ABC tonight, said the story isn't true.
story s/b article.
CB who? :-)
"What "proof" do you need?"
Same can be said for those who dispute it.
"And the WH, according to ABC tonight, said the story isn't true."
Wow, I'm sorry I ever doubted them.
(sarcasm)
:-)
Maybe Simcox should take his damn website then. Hell does anyone NOT know where the next Minutemen picnic is going to be? This guy has an ego bigger than his IQ.
I believe the NY Slimes stand by their articles also, that doesn't always make them true.
"Drug cartels spend $500 million a year to pay off corrupt Mexican generals and police officials. . . ."
"The Mexican army is escorting those attempting to cross over the US border illegally including known drug-runners. . . ."
"Mexican military support for illegal drug smuggling, he said. . . ."
"US OFFICIALS SAY MEXICAN MILITARY AIDS DRUG TRAFFIC - New York Times"
"A rural Texas sheriff accuses the Mexican army of protecting a drug smuggling operation. . . ."
Is it just me or is there a pattern emerging here?
"What "proof" do you need?"
_____________________________
Hmmmm, well, its not proof but it is a statement from a government official contradicting what the Minutemen are reporting. I guess I will just have to choose whom I believe.
The fact that the Minutemen even exist shows me how much confidence I should have in our government regarding illegal immigration.
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