Ex-Border Patrol Inspector Indicted

Nov. 2nd 2010

An ex-Border Patrol Inspector was indicted today with 13 counts, including “drug trafficking, human smuggling and bribery charges.”[1] The court went on to state that the suspect, Luis Enrique Ramirez, had:

“…allegedly conspired to transport and move illegal aliens, transported illegal aliens, and brought in illegal aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Three bribery counts allege Ramirez corruptly demanded, sought, received and accepted money to allow illegal aliens to enter the United States.He also allegedly conspired to possess with intent to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine on multiple occasions from November 2007 to January 2009.”[2]

His detention hearing is set for Thursday.

Comments: Agents such as Luis Enrique Ramirez are a potential security risk; corrupted agents have been known to allow drug cartel member smuggle both humans and drugs across the border without checking who or what is being carried across the border. There is potential danger for compromise if the wrong group successfully bribes a Border Patrol Agent. It seems in spite of new measures for hiring agents, which includes an extensive background check and polygraph test, agents all along the border are still being targeted and bribed into corruption.

What can be done to target this problem is to pay a higher wage to Border Patrol agents and check the family backgrounds of each agent as well as bind them to secrecy upon being hired, thus minimizing potential on this side of the border for bribery and other crimes. Another added suggestion would be to enhance security cameras and monitoring equipment inside the gates so the guards can be monitored for suspicious activity.

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[1] http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/11/02/Ex-border-inspector-indicted/UPI-47881288741875/

[2] http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/11/02/Ex-border-inspector-indicted/UPI-47881288741875/

Rio Grande Valley Legislatiors Tackle Immigration and Human Smuggling Legislation

Nov 08th 2010

The Monitor showed the task of those who were recently elected, and the incumbents, and the legislation that they must now work on passing on to the State Legislators. The elections down here in the Valley mainly kept the incumbents with one exception. Ortiz lost his seat and is currently demanding a recount.

Undaunted by this, however, the current legislators have moved forward and are starting to work on legislation to bring before State Legislators. The Monitor stated that “State Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, who filed four bills Monday, said anti-immigration issues will be at the forefront of the state Legislature next year”[1] Among these bills, however, lies those with other priorities to people, such as Texans now being allowed to carry guns on boats, making it a crime for drug cartels to use road spikes to evade police, and other various topics.

With all these priorities in mind, the article goes on to cover the concerns that lie with most of the legislative staff of the Rio Grande Valley.

“Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, filed a bill — similar to a controversial Arizona law — that would allow law enforcement officers to inquire about a suspicious person’s immigration status and make an arrest based on the answer. Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, filed a measure that would require all state and local governments and their contractors to use E-Verify — a joint program of the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration used to verify workers’ immigration status. In the Valley, state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed four bills — including the measures that fight human smuggling and require restaurants to highlight nutrition content.”[2]

Comments: Since Republicans have the majority now in the House, it may be nearly impossible to pass a human smuggling law without arguments and delays. These potential fights may actually leave the border more vulnerable as attempts to filibuster (break) a long argument on why a law should or should not be passed usually end up in a no-vote or a delayed vote. Unless both Democrats and Republicans communicate quickly and effectively, there may be very little hope for legislation concerning human smuggling to be passed.

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[1] http://www.themonitor.com/articles/state-44313-bills-filed.html

[2] http://www.themonitor.com/articles/state-44313-bills-filed.html

Tunnels Discovered Reveal Fears of Terrorist Smuggling

Nov. 8th 2010

In the Washington Examiner, author Sara Carter explains that tunnels discovered along the United States border to Mexico highlight fears by the government of terrorists using these tunnels to surpass security. These tunnels, mainly used for human smuggling not only in Texas, but all of the border states, may actually allow for Islamic extremists to enter the country unnoticed. Indeed, rumors on the Internet speak of an alliance between these extremists and cartels[1], although this cannot be truly confirmed for sure by current intelligence. 

The article went on to quote officials from both the Border Patrol and law enforcement officers:

"Our number one concern is national security," said a senior law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the 1,800 foot tunnel discovered in California. "The vulnerability created by the tunnel being used by terrorist organizations is there."

One official involved in anti-terrorism efforts referred to a 2006 Department of Homeland Security intelligence report that revealed al Qaeda was recruiting citizens in Central America. "It's very concerning when you have a border that allows for anyone to cross over," the official added. [2]

Although, as previously stated, such intelligence is still being investigated, there is further evidence of potential for security risks as long as these tunnels are still being made.

Last year, a video surfaced on Al Jazeera network showing al Qaeda recruiter Abdullah al-Nafisi telling a room full of supporters in Bahrain that the terrorist group was casing the border with Mexico to assess how to send terrorists and weapons into the United States.[3]

Comments: Since the Obama administration has yet to take a stance on border security, the author’s assertions, and the assertion of others online, may actually come true. With the increase of news reports telling of extremists and their attempt to enter our borders, there may be a high risk within the next six to twelve months of an attack within or right outside the border of the United States with the use of these tunnels.

Border Patrol should call for more assistance, especially from those who specialize in geological and satellite intelligence in order to quickly and efficiently find these tunnels and cover them up as soon as they are found. For this to occur, it is possible that more funding is needed, which would lead to the Obama administration potentially cracking down on border crime and finally taking a position and enforcing border security.

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[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8P1DeAQzWI

[2] http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/world/Tunnel-on-Mexican-border-highlights-fears-of-smuggling-by-terrorists-1499972-106919013.html

[3] http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/world/Tunnel-on-Mexican-border-highlights-fears-of-smuggling-by-terrorists-1499972-106919013.html

I-10 A Main Route for Human Smuggling

Oct. 20th 2010

In San Antiono, City and State officials gathered to discuss the topic of human smuggling. The statistics and insight gained from this meeting was intriuging and possibly helpful for the cases of human smuggling in South Texas.

State Senator Leticia Van de Putte says people often confuse human trafficking with human smuggling and think the victims of it are in the U.S. illegally. But Van de Putte says most victims are in a much different circumstance.

"About 60% are runaway teenagers, from other states or within Texas," Van de Putte told News 4 WOAI. "And they are being exploited. They are being abused.

Plus, the problem is closer than you might think. The Department of Health and Human Services says 25% of all human trafficking victims are in Texas and the I-10 corridor serves as one of the main routes in the U.S.[1]

Comments: 

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[1] http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/I-10-corridor-a-main-route-for-human-trafficking/gIGQ7hZF1U6dE8FTzjlQDA.cspx

Four Arrested in Human Smuggling Attempt

Oct. 27th 2010

In an attempt to cross the Sarita checkpoint, four people from Houston were arrested and jailed in the Rio Grande Valley today after Border Patrol discovered nine illegal immigrants in two separate vans. Although the group tried to separate by a three hour drive, the agents at the Sarita checkpoint caught the pairs.

Nine immigrants total were caught, five in one van and four in the other. All four have been denied bond and are now in custody in a Rio Grande Valley jail.

Comments: This report indicates that although smugglers are attempting to fool the guards, many of them are not deceived, so this mini- bust, as small as it is, is actually a good sign; the increased training and technology is working. If trends continue, then there may be a possible break in the number of humans smuggled across our borders.

Source: http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=531940