DHS's New Policy to Unsecure the Borders

                             Homeland Security Orders a Reduction in Border Inspections

  

While Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano touts the U.S. border as being more secure than ever, the Department is quietly ordering Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to scale back border inspections.  In a news report out of Texas last week, current and former CBP agents are saying the standard daily presence and routine checks normally conducted by CBP officers at transportation hubs are a thing of the past.  (KRGV, Oct. 25, 2011)  According to theAssociated Press, field offices nationwide began receiving secret orders to scale back the inspections soon after Secretary Napolitano announced the administration would begin to grant administrative amnesty to illegal aliens in deportation proceedings. (Associated Press, Oct. 29, 2011)

The routine bus, train, and airport checks typically involve agents manning transportation hubs within 100 miles of the border (often the northern border) and questioning individuals when warranted.  Border agents now report that instead of conducting random checks, or checks based on suspicious behavior, agents have been ordered to only conduct checks based on actual intelligence indicating a threat. (Id.)  One agent told the Associated Press that “instead of checking buses or trains, agents have spent shifts sitting in their vehicles gazing out at Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, where few illegal immigrants cross.” (Id.)

The elimination of inspections was immediately apparent to individuals at the border.  One manager of a Greyhound Bus Station in New York reported that Border Patrol Agents halted inspections on September 12—the day after the 10^th anniversary of September 11.  (Id.) Travelers arriving at a McAllen, Texas bus station last week also immediately noticed the absence of CBP officers checking persons and items entering the United States.  (KRGV, Oct. 25, 2011)  Although the CBP office in McAllen refused at that time to comment on new policy due to its sensitive nature, Chairman of the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers, Kent Lundgren, learned about order from current and former agents in the field.  If Washington is refusing to admit a change in policy, Lundgren said, “Let’s just say they’re being less than candid because it is.”  (Id.) 

Despite reports coming from agents all over the country, Customs and Border Protection officials in Washington, DC, still refuse to acknowledge a shift in policy.  “We are refining the way we operate by managing risk,” said CBP Spokesman Bill Brooks.  (Id.)  Brooks insisted that local commanders still have the authority to aggressively pursue illegal aliens near the border and at transportation hubs.  (Associated Press, Oct. 29, 2011)

Border agents, however, are “baffled” at the order to scale back transportation checks and the union representing Border Patrol Agents issued a press release slamming the move. (Id.)  In it, National Border Patrol Council Vice President Shawn Moran sharply states: “Border Patrol managers are increasing the layers of bureaucracy and making it as difficult as possible for Border Patrol agents to conduct their core duties…The only risks being managed by this move are too many apprehensions, negative media attention and complaints generated by immigrant rights groups.” (Id.)

Meanwhile, the ACLU hailed Homeland Security’s order to scale back border inspections.  ACLU spokesman Doug Honig said, “If the Border Patrol is indeed not boarding buses and trains and engaging in the random questioning of people, that's a step in the right direction.” 

If the ACLU likes this, you know damn well that it is a terrible decision for America.

The border is much less safe than ever with the cartels now in the USA.

Who the hell do Obama and Simplenapolitano think they are fooling?

They are so desperate to need the illegal Hispanic vote, 

they will place the entire southwest in jeopardy.

This is one sick man and administration.

 
        This Obama DHS directive and ACLU statement are despicable and unconscionable.
               When the safety of America is on the line, who are you going to vote for?