Residents On Mexican Border Upset Over Border Patrol Strategy

Illegal border crossings are at a 40-year-low, according to government statistics. Those numbers led to the U.S. Border Patrol announcing a new strategy on Tuesday to target repeat crossers.

In a 32-page document that took roughly two years to develop, agents will now draw on intelligence to identify repeat crossers, according to Homeland Security’s Chief Mike Fisher. The approach also highlights more mobile deterrents, and fewer people on the ground.

“The principal theme of our strategy is to use information, integration and rapid response to meet all threats,” said Fisher.

Borderland residents, however, feel less safe as a result. They say mobile security is just a fancy way of saying, “unmanned drones.”

Homeowners along the El Paso County, Hudspeth County line feel like they’re in the Wild West as it is. If you drive in that area you’ll find a 14-mile gap of the wall erected during the President George W. Bush era to keep illegal immigrants out.

Virginia Peterson, who owns the first unguarded pecan farm along the wide open wall-less border, questioned why the government would rely on air support. According to her, the best deterrents for her pecan farm have been border patrol agents and U.S. National guardsmen. The guard left patrolling the border long ago, and with this latest news of more drones, worries her.

“Why put us back in danger,” asked Peterson. “We hear the gunfire; it’s not a safe place to be.”

Peterson said she doesn’t mind the idea of people crossing the border in an attempt to find a better life, but fears that they aren’t the only people crossing. Locals claim Barrio Azteca cartel members have been among those who’ve crossed, and been captured. George Brenzovich, who lives near the border as well, said he’s certain there are plenty more illegal immigrants who have not been caught.

“It’s a nightmare, and we don’t get the media attention for all the apprehensions,” said Brenzovich. “You don’t have a clue what goes on out here.”

From the look of things near Tornillo it’s a peaceful area, but Brenzovich contends that if you spend enough time you’ll witness illegal immigrants crossing regularly.

“All they’re doing is sacrificing us residents out here,” said Brenzovich. “If they think we’ll go quietly ?that’s not going to happen.”

Brenzovich thinks the numbers released by the government are skewed. As he points out, illegal immigrants crossing into the United States can’t be tracked unless they’re caught. Brenzovich says illegal immigrants cross the border along the 14-mile gap in the border wall regularly.

ABC-7 reached out to local border patrol agents through the United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday to comment on the reaction of those who live along the border, they declined to speak about the new strategies being touted on Capitol Hill.