Border resident opposes Congressman’s “S-M-A-R-T” wall

U.S. Rep. Will H urd (R-Texas) addressed a crowd of constituents in S ocorro Sunday afternoon , slamming the idea of a continuous border wall.

“I think building a wall from sea to shining sea is the most expensive and least effective way to do border security,” Hurd said.

Last week, Hurd introduced legislation to build a “SMART wall” along parts of the southern border, implementing sensors, drones and cameras instead of a physical barrier.

However, at least one member of the crowd strongly opposed building anything other than a traditional border wall.

“We need something now,” said George Brenzovich, a Fort Hancock resident. “Not a proposal.”

Brenzovich can see the border that separates the U.S. and Mexico from his property. He lives within a fourteen mile stretch between Fort Hancock and Tornillo where there is no physical barrier; there are only border patrol agents that monitor the ground.

“Anytime your dogs are barking in the middle of the night, you don’t know what you’re going to find,” Brenzovich said. “It could be a rattlesnake. It could be a mountain lion. It could be trespassers. Take your pick.”

The border resident said he’s heard gunfire between rival cartels and witnessed smugglers of all kinds on his property.

“There is no technology that is going to interdict and stop somebody from getting to this road before an agent gets out of the driveway,” Brenzovich said. “That’s pure and simple.”

Hurd represents 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, more than any other member of congress. According to Hurd’s office, the congressman’s proposal is supported by the National Border Patrol Council, which represents 18,000 agents.

However, Brenzovich said it will be a waste of money.

“This pie in the sky technology doesn’t work,” the border resident said.