El Paso Sector Border Patrol SBI Hotline And Forums
by ABC-7 reporter/anchor Ashlie Hardway
EL PASO — It’s no secret the border fence is a controversial topic, but at least for U.S. Border Patrol agents, it’s a no-brainer.
Agents Joe Romero and Lee Stovall interviewed on Good Morning El Paso Weekend Saturday to explain to viewers the motivation behind the Secure Border Initiative and its forums.
Two forums were held today so agents could hear concerns from Borderland residents and also so residents could learn more about how their neighborhood could be affected. “There’s different areas where it’s going to impact them differently, fencing of course being a portion of it. Some people may be concerned about irrigation and so forth. We’re looking at ways to not only add irrigation but help them in some cases,” said Agent Romero.
Aside from informing residents about how they may personally be affected, agents also want to get information out about their use of the fence. “We don’t expect that it will stop. Again, it’s to slow people down, give us a chance to get to an area and make an arrest,” said Agent Stovall.
The forum at UTEP’s Natural Gas Conference Center was cut short due to a low turn out. However, community members can still attend future scheduled forums.
Representatives from respective stations within the Sector will be available to answer questions on May 24, 2008 at the Chamizal National Memorial Park on 800 S. San Marcial Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community members may also attend a forum at El Paso Community College on May 31, 2008 at the Mission Del Paso Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The El Paso Station management will provide information regarding operations within their area of responsibility on May 27th at the El Paso Community Administrative Services Center on 9050 Viscount Blvd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We need to reach out to communities, keep them informed as far as what we’re doing and let them know why we’re doing it. At the same time we are also taking their feedback and we’ve actually incorporated some of the ideas the community members have given, into some of the things that we do”, said Romero.
The Secure Border Initiative (SBI) informational hotline is 1-866-215-6551, it will be in service through the end of June from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
