Cutting back at the border?

[PBratton]

Got this in a weekly security update:

Obama Plans to Cut Guard Force Along the Border
Houston Chronicle (12/11/11) Powell, Stewart M.

The Obama administration is planning to change its approach to securing the U.S.-Mexico border, in response to a drop in the number of arrests of illegal immigrants. Under the changes, the White House will gradually reduce the number of National Guard troops who are stationed in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas and are tasked with helping to secure the border. There are currently more than 1,200 National Guard troops who are on active duty and have border security responsibilities. It is uncertain how many National Guard troops will remain on the border, as the administration refused to provide any numbers. The National Guard troops who are taken off of the border will be replaced by Army National Guard and Air National Guard personnel who use aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned drones to conduct surveillance along the border. Border intelligence analysis will also be used to help secure the border. The changes come as the number of arrests along the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped from 1.6 million in 2000 to 340,252 in fiscal year 2011, which is a historical low.

Link to original article: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas ... 394757.php

[The Annoyed Man]

I've aways been skeptical of the Administration's commitment of 1,200 troops to the border. The U.S./Mexico border is 1,969 miles long. 1,200 troops in one place is a lot of people. 1,200 troops with responsibilities covering 1,969 miles is a drop in the bucket.

The U.S. Border Patrol employs 20,200 people, who are tasked with patrolling and supporting the patrolling of 19,000 lineal miles of border (SOURCE). Per this source, the bulk of U.S. Border Patrol agents are tasked to the U.S./Mexico border. Meaning no disrespect to either the BP agents or the NG troops, but I just don't see how a relatively paltry 1,200 troops can make that big of a difference in the overall picture, and I suspect that it was largely done for reasons of political theater. Those troops may have done good work, but there's just a whole lot more work to be done than there are troops to do it.

[mamabearCali]

Why bother...If we are not going to even try to maintain our border why have one? Lets just open up a "free just about anything you want" booth. To make a deliberate decision to not defend our border is.....well....treasonous is the closest word I have for it.

[Middle Age Russ]

Sounds like the pressure to not prosecute is working well in reducing arrests. After all, why arrest anyone if they won't be prosecuted. Great idea courtesy the Mexican government. :sarcasm:

Understanding full well that many illegals perform valuable work that is unpalatable to many US citizens, it still never fails to amaze me that the crazies running the Federal and even the State governments cannot see the drain of governmental (not to mention private enterprise) resources that uncontested illegal immigration represents. Couple that with the insidious nature of the benefits to be gained simply by being in the US (anchor children, "free" schooling and healthcare, etc...) and I wonder how this nation can long survive the onslaught.

I guess I keep reminiscing about the USA full of liberty and the persuit of happiness that I grew up in. This nation already already bears little resemblance to what it was back then and the signs don't look promising.

[wharvey]

Some states, like Arizona, have been trying to up the fight because the feds aren't doing there part. At the same time, after all the guns our ATF have been giving the Mexican bad guys I'd sure want to get the heck out of the country also.

[speedsix]

...there'll become a new class of "gun collector"...and grandfathers will tell their grandsons someday...Sonny, this used to be owned by the ATF...only ONE previous owner...

[punkndisorderly]

The sad thing is, it doesn't matter. If you're one of the unlucky few caught, you just get sent back to try again. Once you make it across, you're home free. Your chances of being deported once you make it here are so slim, as to make deportation a free trip home to see the family.

I can't decide who I respect less. The Dem's who want an open border or the Republicans who waste the money on border fences and the like while refusing to do anything about the real problem: all the illegals already here. After all, their big business buddies need the illegals they don't have to pa employer payroll taxes, benefits, or reasonable wages to.