Government Agency To Solicit Feedback On Border Fence
EL PASO COUNTY — The federal government is soliciting comments from the public about its plans to build nearly 60 miles of fence from El Paso to McNary in Hudspeth County.
Right in the middle of those 60 miles is the town of Fabens, which as it stands may put some property owners in the way of the fence, and some say it’s a real worry.
“We don’t need a wall — I don’t think we do — I think that it’s a waste of taxpayers dollars.” said Orlando Flores, who owns a farm in Fabens.
Customs and Border Protection sent a representative, Barry Morrissey, to get people’s opinions. Morrissey said he expects to gather information on a broad range of topics from a human standpoint.
Morrisseywill hold an open house that will focus on the environmental impact of a border fence, to include light pollution to heavy equipment. It will start Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the Ambassador Ballroom, 10921 Pellicano.
Still, some residents question the need for a fence at all. “Some time ago, I could see 25 to 30 people crossing at a time,” Flores said. “Today, it’s zero. I’ve not seen anybody cross in a year and a half.”
Flores also said as far as he can tell, Border Patrol agentshave effectively stopped the flood of illegal immigration.
Flores also said he is worried that the border fence could cause the farming culture of his area to dry up.
