Posted in Border News, DHS
The NBPC received the following information from Local 1613:
At approximately 6PM on November 7, 2007 two agents were responding to a report from the RVS camera operator that two large groups of illegals were crossing, one in the area of Libertad and the other at Cactus Road, both of which are located between the SYS and OTM ports of entry. Both agents were assigned to the ATV unit and were utilizing the ATVs to respond to this call. A marked Border Patrol unit did not respond initially due to the fact that the IMB station had mustered only 13 agents, including the horse patrol, to cover just over 12 miles of linear border.
At some point a vehicle was observed near Cactus Road that was suspected of being involved in a smuggling attempt. One of the ATV agents responded and approached a vehicle near a loading dock. The vehicle accelerated and attempted to run over the agent who fired on the vehicle in an attempt to stop it. The vehicle was able to elude all efforts to apprehend it. The agent was unhurt and along with his partner was able to make several apprehensions of illegals who were hiding nearby.
This situation is becoming increasingly common. Local 1613 was assured by PAIC Raleigh Leonard that the IMB would not shift east of I-5 until it had the manpower to do so. Within six weeks of that assurance IMB station was covering to the Otay Mesa POE. Currently SRT and Horse Patrol are assisting on some shifts but the staffing numbers are still inadequate. We have heard that BORTAC will be responding to assist also along with agents that may be detailed from the two SDC checkpoints.
The status quo at IMB is unacceptable. Agents are being assaulted 4-5 times per shift. Zones 8-15 have more assaults than all other southwest border zones combined. IMB has often been touted as the cornerstone of Operation Gatekeeper. Well, the cornerstone is crumbling and if changes don’t happen soon we will lose an agent.
