Border Patrol plans to release 64 immigrants until hearings

Star-Telegram Border Bureau ^ | Oct. 08, 2003 | Karen Brooks

[Dubya]

LAREDO - More than 60 immigrants from Central America recently caught in Webb County trying to cross the border illegally will be released today from the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol while they await deportation hearings, officials said Tuesday.

An apparent overload of the system in the Laredo sector means that the policy of releasing immigrants from outside of Mexico, who typically have a hearing before they're flown back to their home countries, could continue indefinitely, officials said.

Local Border Patrol authorities said they expect more information from the Department of Homeland Security today.

They declined to give the reason for the release, but city officials said they were told that San Antonio regional offices decided the sector could no longer hold so many immigrants for the weeks it takes to get their cases heard by a judge.

"It's very upsetting," said Laredo Mayor Betty Flores, who says the city isn't prepared for an influx of people who cannot legally work and have nowhere to go.

Officials in San Antonio, who oversee the Laredo sector of the Border Patrol, could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.

All but about 10 of the 64 immigrants had made plans to stay with relatives in the United States by late Tuesday and would not be stranded in Laredo, said Lee Bargerhuff, assistant chief of the Border Patrol's Laredo sector.

While undocumented Mexicans are typically deported to the border, those from other countries are routinely held for deportation hearings before they are flown back to their home countries.

The immigrants who are released are considered nonviolent and have no U.S. criminal records, Bargerhuff said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Karen Brooks, (956) 728-1007 kbrooks@star-telegram.com

[LibertyAndJusticeForAll]

I think you're right about some being clockwatchers. I say that based on observation at the Tijuana border (< 10 crossings).
If you become an agent, and it looks promising (congratulations), do keep us updated. Your's will be an interesting perspective.

[solo gringo]

Well i heard they were going to drop them at 30,000 feet.You mean they changed thier mind again.

[Thorondir]

Here, let me fix your last sentence for you, my friend: Anyway, if anyone has any insight into the Welcome-Mat Patrol, I am very eager to hear it. Thank You.

[Chi-Town Lady]

"They declined to give the reason for the release, but city officials said they were told that San Antonio regional offices decided the sector could no longer hold so many immigrants for the weeks it takes to get their cases heard by a judge."

I don't understand why they just don't build a tent prision like the governor of Arizona (not sure if that is the correct state or not). Give them 3 pb&j sandwiches a day and let them sit there until their hearing.

[bat1816]

I can tell you everything you want to know. Just ask.

[Steely Glint]

Deport these parasites NOW!

[gubamyster]

ping

[texastoo]

Laredo is located on the border. All they would have to do is put them on the bridge and they would walk across into Nuevo Laredo,Mexico.

This is really tooooo simple for our government.

[JustPiper]

What hearing? What rights? Those reserved for US citizens?!
Arnold? Are you listening here? I heard on the news today you were going to repeal the license again! You best step up buddy and start deporting! Close our borders PERIOD!

[truthkeeper]

Angry BUMP!