Walz Leads Trip to Examine Border Security

01/26/2008

Finds opportunities for security improvements on U.S. - Mexico border


(Mankato, MN) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz returned from a trip to the U.S. - Mexico border in Texas during which he met with U.S. Border Patrol agents. These agents are responsible for ensuring that unauthorized goods and individuals do not enter the United States. Walz also inspected some of the technology used by the Department of Homeland Security to protect the border.

"Securing our borders is the first step in addressing problems with illegal immigration in this country," said Walz. ""I organized this trip because I wanted to learn first-hand from the men and women on the ground about what's working and what additional resources these agents need to do their jobs."

Walz toured detention facilities, examined security technology, met with border patrol agents and K-9 units, and visited several sections of the border where security needs differ.

"I was immensely impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the United States Border Patrol," said Walz. "These men and women wake up every day and come to work to secure our nation and I am grateful for their service."

Walz found the following opportunities for improving security:

• Funding for more security cameras. Two of the most important people Walz saw were a truck driver and an artillery man - members of the National Guard - who were in front of fourteen television screens, watching live footage from surveillance cameras.


• Increased efforts to recruit and hire new Border Patrol Agents. It is estimated that only one of every sixty people who apply to the program actually becomes a Border Patrol Agent. Enforcement would be increased if agents could be identified, hired and trained more quickly.


• K-9 units actually seize more drug money each year than it costs to run their program. Currently, Border Patrol agents are not able to train the dogs as quickly as they are needed. Increased funding will expand efforts to seize illegal drugs and drug money.

"In 2007, the Congress funded 3,000 new Border Patrol agents and I am more convinced than ever that more agents and additional technologies are some of the best methods to secure and monitor the border," concluded Walz.