Posted on 11/22/2006 4:45:23 PM PST by SandRat
National Guard troops were sent to the United States' southern border this summer. Now, nearly 6 months later, have they strengthened our security?
Since June, thousands of National Guard troops from around the country have put in time in the four southern border states including at Arizona's busiest border town, Nogales, as a part of Operation Jump Start.
Border Patrol tells us their presence has made a significant difference.
"We're just here as a surveillance method. We're more of a tool for the Border Patrol," says Lt. Scott Twitchell, who, with other New York guardsmen, is deployed to Nogales.
This stretch of border and this tent have become their home for the mission.
"We have cots, sleeping bags and we have a stove," Twitchell says.
With weapons, Kevlar protection and other high-tech tools, they keep a watchful eye over the miles of fencing and it seems their presence is working.
News 4 was there as agents brought two men out of the sewer in downtown Nogales.
Border Patrol agrees.
Comparing a photo of an area agents call "Smuggler's Gulch" that was taken just after the Guard arrived, you can see, six months later, Guardsmen cleared the brush, making it harder for illegal immigrants hide.
That's not all. Agent Jim Hawkins said, "Vehicle maintenance, electronics maintenance and clerical tasks that we used to have take agents and put in that role, now the Guard is doing that for us."
Some of the roughest terrain is in Nogales. The deep canyons are knows as "cuts" and above is the ridge line. The entry identification sites are on higher ground, giving soldiers the best vantage point.
Specialist Tim Siwiec said, "The terrain is different. You picture Arizona as a desert and it's anything but."
As night falls, they rely on night vision and high beams to spot drug and human trafficking, a different experience for these New Yorkers.
Siwiec said, "You know, you hear about smuggling in the this area, but I didn't think it would be as organized as it is down here."
But it is and that's why these Guardsmen are here.
They say they're in it for the long haul.
BORDER PING
Every report I've read of our guardsmen stationed on the border reflect how glad they are for that mission. I think it's great that they get to see it first hand.
Earlier today on the news they said another journalist had been murdered in Mexico. That's 7 so far this year.
Mexico is now the second most dangerous place on earth for the press. Running second only to Iraq.
And just think...they're right next door...excuse me, WHAT DOOR?
Wonder if they brought their Pace hot sauce with them.
Sorry, had to say it. Saw the Guard is from New York. :)
Great news, Sand Rat. I think we ought to give it a chance and see what this deployment can do.
That's strange. I was born and raised in upstate New York, spent 6 years at Huachucha, active duty. Loved Huachucha, hated the Post politics.
I'm a Californian; only visited that area once when I had to see what Bisbee was all about ...
But, when I was much younger and visiting my aunt in Tucson, we always took the obligatory trip down to Nogales ...
I was also b&r in upstate NY, between Syracuse & Utica.
Joined the Army @ age 32. Eight years later I got to Huachuca, and got out so I could stay. Tucsonan now.
And they (the libs and rinos) said it couldn't be done.
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