Posted on 05/31/2006 6:56:03 PM PDT by SandRat
Every firefighter knows the inherent risks of his or her job, but what many don't realize when they are called to a fire like the 103 Fire on the border is that there is a whole new set of challenges.
The corridor between Naco and Nogales, right where the 103 Fire is burning has been known for years as a popular smuggling route for armed traffickers of both humans and drugs, also making it well known for high speed pursuits.
Rangers describe smugglers as doing whatever they have to do to get back across the border without being caught.
A National Park Service ranger, who wanted his name to remain anonymous for his own safety in the area, tells News 4 at least four groups of illegal immigrants have been apprehended since the fire started.
Because night activity is harder to monitor, about eight law enforcement officers are sent with fire crews to help protect them.
"The firefighter's job is to put the fire out," says Stephen Gunzel, District Ranger from the Sierra Vista Ranger District.
Meanwhile, he says, armed officers help watch their backs as they're working.
What many discover as they cross illegally on foot or in a vehicle, is that there are more law enforcement officers from all types of agencies roaming the area.
Those agencies include the National Park Service, Border Patrol and the Cochise County Sheriff's Department.
It is an element of the job many of the crew members don't expect, even those from Southern Arizona.
This is our life on the Border Invasion Line.
And with all this they still keep coming in LARGE numbers.
Does anybody know who started the fire?
Why you're not suggesting that these newcomers to our land are committing arson, are you?
All they've said so far is that it is of Human Origins.
"Rangers describe smugglers as doing whatever they have to do to get back across the border without being caught."
ping
What McCain and his co-conspirators in the Senate are really doing is granting amnesty to themselves. People can debate all day about the definition of amnesty as it applies to illegal aliens, but there is no doubt that Senators have written legislation to grant themselves amnesty.
They swore to uphold our laws and constitution. Yet, they have done nothing to stop illegals from coming in, they have done nothing to enforce the laws on the books-- they have abdicated all responsibility when it comes to doing their sworn duty. And that goes for our current and former Presidents.
Amnesty has been granted....to our elected leaders under the current legislation proposed by the Senate.
I say hold everyone accountable-- especially those who swore under oath they would uphold our laws.
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