U.S. Mexico Border

Even though Mexico is not in the South American region a lot of what goes on along it’s borders affects the U.S., and the control over the border seems to be an ever-changing issue. It was reported to a senate panel a week ago by Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar that, “We are indeed aware of criminal organizations that wear military-style uniforms, use military-style equipment and weapons and employ military-style vehicles and tactics while conducting illegal activity in border areas.” It is believed that these armed gangs are using any means possible to smuggle in to the U.S. whatever they are paid to. Mexican criminal groups are responsible for the smuggling of most of the cocaine available in today’s drug markets as well as heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamines.
Immigration reform legislation will be in review by the Senate Judiciary Committee which calls for steps to tighten the 2000 mile Mexico- U.S. border. One of the tasks of this commitee will be to construct 700 miles of fence along different parts of the border. Others believe that due to the availability of advanced technology a “virtual fence” should be put in so that the border could be monitored better. It is estimated that so far in 2006 400,000 illegal immigrants have attempted to cross the border compared to last year’s estimation of 100,000 in around the same time period. However, the measures taken by these groups are much more extreme using disguises as well as high capacity assault weapons to get their cargo into the U.S.
Drug trafficking organizations even go so far as to threaten U.S. border patrol officers by sending them death threats. It is reported that the threats are sometimes made in person to the officials homes since “they have the money, equipment and stamina to carry out their threats,” as stated by Chief David Aguilar. In 2005, it was reported that approximately 778 border patrol agents were assaulted by these gangs. The men hired by these gangs do as much as they can to get their job done because “Failure to make safe delivery is not acceptable and many who do fail are executed.” This is what Aguilar told others during the meeting. Whatever the reason may be for these extreme measures, the U.S. should not only be concerned with keeping the law enforcement safe, but also making sure that the violent measures do not get out of hand and lead to further controversy.