Posted on 06/26/2002 4:07:02 AM PDT by Ajnin
As was reported on an earlier thread. A smuggler driving a van full of illegal criminals killed a US citizen in effort to avoid Border Patrol Agents manning the check point near Campo, California. Sadly, this could have been avoided. Agents like myself that work the line knew this was going to happen. It was just a matter of time. The reason we knew it was going to happen is because we have so much experience in observing the trends that occurr after certain type of policy changes. About two years ago my Sector started to model it's pursuit policy after San Diego Sector. Basically, the policy stated that there is to be no pursuing if the load vehicle broke any traffic laws, drove into residential areas, drove in hazardous conditions such as rain, drove through curves, bridges and hills. The policy was published in the local newspapers. Immediately after the publcation of our pursuit policy we started to have a rash vehicles driving into on coming traffic. This most recent tragedy is one of a hundred such incidences in which illegal scumbags have driven the wrong way into traffic. Along with breaking traffic laws assaults on agents increased as well.
Five years ago when I first joined the Patrol, we didn't have these kinds of problems. We didn't have these problems because the smugglers knew we would not give up chasing them. Most of the time they would stop, bail out of the vehicle and run south. Not any more. The smugglers and the aliens have learned that our policies are weak and use them quite well to their advantage.
We have the solution to the problem of illegal immigration, however those managing the Border Patrol want ot stick their heads in the sand and pretend illegal immigration is not happening until somebody gets killed. Then the result is always to place more restrictions on Border Patrol Agents. If past events are any incication of what is going to come out of this recent accident, then the Campo checkpoint will probably see some restrictions placed on their operation, even though they were not actively chasing the perpetrators. I am guessing they won't be allowed to operate at night.
/1/ He said that the BP had been issued rifles for patrolling the desert, but the rifles were take away and they are only issued pistols, to encourage them to flee rather than fight when taken under hostile rifle fire.
/2/ He said that they had very successful tracking dogs who could sniff illegals out of hiding places in the brush, they were extremely effective. The tracking dogs were "too effective", the INS got heat from those who try to hamper the BPs efforts, and the dogs were sent away from their rural areas to "cool their heels" elsewhere.
Any of that true?
You've touched upon something that really incenses me. We treat illegal aliens better than we do our own citizens. An illegal alien can commit just about any felony short of murder and get away with it. They can steal vehicles, commit assault, drive recklessly, commit fraud and most of the time they are back in Mexico wihin 2 hours of apprehension.
/1/ He said that the BP had been issued rifles for patrolling the desert, but the rifles were take away and they are only issued pistols, to encourage them to flee rather than fight when taken under hostile rifle fire.
/2/ He said that they had very successful tracking dogs who could sniff illegals out of hiding places in the brush, they were extremely effective. The tracking dogs were "too effective", the INS got heat from those who try to hamper the BPs efforts, and the dogs were sent away from their rural areas to "cool their heels" elsewhere.
Any of that true?
21 posted on 6/26/02 10:21 AM Pacific by Travis McGee
Good question. Is it true?
This is 4th time I've tried to respond to these comments and for some reason I keep losing my response.Let me try this again.Each Border Patrol Sector has their own policy for the use of M-4 rifles. I know that in San Diego Sector agents are not allowed to take their rifles into residential areas, which happens to be most of San Diego Sector. Agents from San Diego have told me that only supervisors are allowed to take out M-4's in non-restricted areas. I work for El Centro Station in the El Centro Sector. We can take our rifles out any time we choose because our area of operation consists mainly of open desert and mountains. Our sister station in Calexico is restricted from taking their weapons within the city limits.
/2/ He said that they had very successful tracking dogs who could sniff illegals out of hiding places in the brush, they were extremely effective. The tracking dogs were "too effective", the INS got heat from those who try to hamper the BPs efforts, and the dogs were sent away from their rural areas to "cool their heels" elsewhere.
I have not seen this form myself. Agents from San Diego have told me that this type of things is occurring. Deterrence is the buzz word within the Border Patrol. The fanatasy that Border Patrol management engages in is that they can deter illegal aliens that are willing to swim through 5 miles sh*t from crossing the border by displaying agents on the line. Apprehending people kind of ruins the fantasy.
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