Decline In Cross-Border Activity Decreases Apprehensions

Jul 12, 2007 3:32 PM

A continued decline in illegal cross-border activity between ports of entry along the Southwest border has brought U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol apprehensions down 24 percent compared to the previous year.

Between Oct. 1-June 30, Border Patrol agents made 682,468 apprehensions along the nation's southern border compared to 894,496 apprehensions during the same period last year. The Yuma, Ariz., and Del Rio, Texas, sectors experienced the greatest declines, with a decrease of 68 percent and 51 percent with 34,140 and 18,286 apprehensions respectively. The number of alien apprehensions, not including Mexicans, dropped 48 percent along the southern border, which totaled 43,135 through the third quarter 2007. Because of the lowered apprehensions, the time agents spend transporting and processing has decreased and time spent patrolling the border has increased.

Under the Secure Border Initiative, CBP continues to enhance border security through a comprehensive approach of implementing innovative programs to include the expansion of expedited removal. Operation Streamline and Operation Jump Start may also expand, and this allows for the hiring of additional Border Patrol agents, whose numbers may go up to 6,000 by the end of 2008. The integration of technology, tactical infrastructure and CBP's increased ability to detain other-than-Mexicans, provides Border Patrol agents additional tools that support the border security mission.

Additionally, Border Patrol agents have seized more than a 27 percent increase in marijuana and a 22 percent increase in cocaine compared to the same period in the fiscal year before. The combined estimated value of the narcotics is $1.487 billion, according to CBP.gov.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media Inc.

Story Missing Your Link?

BROWSE BACK ISSUES July 1, 2008 May 1, 2008 March/April 2008 January 1, 2008 December 1, 2007 October 1, 2007 August 1, 2007 June 1, 2007 April 1, 2007 February 1, 2007 December 1, 2006 October 1, 2006 August / September 2006 June 1, 2006 April 1, 2006 March 1, 2006 February 1, 2006 December 1, 2005 October 1, 2005 August 1, 2005 June 1, 2005 May 1, 2005 April 1, 2005 February 1, 2005 December 1, 2004 October 1, 2004 August 1, 2004 June 1, 2004 April 1, 2004 February 1, 2004 November 1, 2003 August 1, 2003 May 1, 2003 February 1, 2003 July 1, 2002 April 1, 2002

• Unexpected Crisis Spark Opening of Georgia Training Facility
• New Technology Facilitates Planning For Active Hurricane Season
• Iris Readers Speed Travelers Through Security