What's myth, what's fact about fence

What's myth, what's fact about fence
By Victor M. Manjarrez Jr. / Guest columnist
Article Launched: 06/08/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


Assertions made in a June 1 article [Border fence concerns: Sunland Park reacts to construction] regarding infrastructure are not entirely accurate -- nor do I believe they reflect the opinions of the majority of those who live in the border area.
Hence, I have prepared a myth-versus-reality document that should clarify some of the misconceptions about fencing and other proposed infrastructure.


Myth: The Department of Homeland Security is independently planning to build a permanent structure along 370 miles of border by the end of calendar year 2008.

Fact: Though DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff has committed DHS to build a total of 370 miles of fencing and other infrastructure by the end of Calendar Year 2008, the mandate to conduct this initiative was directed by our U.S. Congress.

Myth: The plan to implement the fencing project along the southern border was done without consultation of local, regional, and national stakeholders.

Fact: Since May 2007, DHS has engaged in extensive discussions about the placement of fencing with state and local stakeholders, including landowners, to ensure that our investments effectively balance border security with the diverse needs of those who live in border communities. To date, El Paso Sector has provided 20 public forums throughout New Mexico and West Texas in an effort to educate the general public about various aspects of the infrastructure plan.

Myth: The decision to implement fencing along the southern border was done in Washington, D.C. without proper research and planning.

Fact: Operational assessments by local Border Patrol agents and chiefs -- based on illegal cross-border activity and the Border Patrol's extensive field experience -- identified multiple locations where fencing or vehicle barriers would most effectively enhance border security. Four main factors contributed to fence location decisions:
1) initial Border Patrol operational assessments;

2) engineering assessments to include the cost fence construction;

3) environmental assessments and;

4) input from stakeholders.


Myth: The implementation of the secure border initiative along the southern border is expected to solve the nation's immigration dilemma.

Fact: Fencing is but one element of DHS's layered defense plan to gain control of our nation's borders. Our comprehensive plan includes a proper mix of additional, substantial investments in technology, infrastructure and enforcement personnel.

Myth: Most people who live in border regions of the United States do not support the use of fencing and other infrastructure.

Fact: According to recent surveys (local and national), the vast majority of the residents who live in the border area are in favor of the border fence and other homeland security measures as a means of helping control the southern border.

Myth: Residents have no more opportunities to voice their opinions on the fence issue, or other DHS initiatives.

Fact: As mentioned earlier, we have hosted numerous public forums throughout West Texas and New Mexico, with more still to come. It is true that residents have limited opportunities remaining in upcoming public forums that we are hosting, but the 24-hour hotline will continue to be operational until the end of June (1-866-215-6551).

Finally, let me say that we must give these resources a chance to prevail before we pass judgment without prudent deliberation. We owe that to a nation that is still the greatest democracy in the world.

Victor M. Manjarrez Jr. is Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol/El Paso Sector

http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_9515636