Lennyjoe
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http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/dailystar/88866.php
Napolitano frees funds for border woes
Gov. Janet Napolitano declared an emergency along Arizona's border with Mexico on Monday, making up to $1.5 million available to beleaguered local governments.
Four border counties - Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma - will be able to use the money to bolster law enforcement along a 350-mile border that has become the nation's busiest and deadliest crossing point for illegal migrants.
The state was forced to act, Napolitano said after signing the declaration, because the federal government has failed to secure the border.
"We just couldn't keep waiting," she said.
Napolitano's declaration comes three days after a similar move by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who made up to $1.75 million in emergency funds available to four southwestern border counties in his state.
In both states, border communities have become portals for a steady flow of illegal migrants who often pay thousands of dollars and risk death to come to the United States.
With them has come a surge in vehicle thefts, drug smuggling and property damage - crimes Napolitano said her declaration is aimed at addressing.
"The problem isn't new, but it has been growing," she said.
According to spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer, the emergency money can go toward a variety of purposes, such as overtime pay for law enforcement officers, repair of border fences and autopsies on migrants who never make it out of the Arizona desert.
In Santa Cruz County, Sheriff Tony Estrada told the governor in a recent letter that he "could definitely use" the money to pay for equipment like night-vision goggles, satellite telephones, and computer tracking devices.
Estrada called the declaration a much-needed attempt to aid cash-strapped communities bearing the brunt of illegal immigration.
"We could use all the help, funding and resources possible," he said.
"We are a small, poor county and there is not much separating us from Mexico. There is no buffer zone. We are joined at the hip with Mexico," he said.
Just as significant, Estrada added, is the message the emergency declaration sends to the federal government.
"What the governor is doing will send the message that they need to look at us and help us," he said. "We deal with international and federal issues and the federal government should pitch in."
Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry praised the state's "more aggressive role," calling it long overdue. "It recognizes the tremendous impact of border crossers on local taxpayers," he said.
Arizona-Mexico Commissioner Marco Lopez said he does not expect the declaration will weaken Arizona's relationship with Mexico or the state of Sonora.
Some Republicans, though, dismissed the declaration as little more than a political gesture.
"It's Janet come lately," said Republican state Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa, a possible candidate for governor in 2006. "She could have done it months ago."
Former State Senate President John Greene, who also hopes to run against Napolitano next year, called the declaration a politically motivated "media event."
● Border Patrol areas affected by the states of emergency declared by the governors of Arizona and New Mexico
Tucson Sector
● Size: 93,000 square miles
● International boundary: 261 miles
● Area: All of Arizona except Yuma, La Paz and Mohave counties.
● Agents: 2,194
● Apprehensions since Oct. 1, 2002: 1,553,396
● Deaths since Oct. 1, 2002: 568
El Paso Sector
● Size: 125,500 square miles
● International boundary: 289 miles
● Area: All of New Mexico and the two westernmost counties in Texas.
● Agents: 1,200
● Apprehensions since Oct. 1, 2002: 387,607
● Deaths since: Oct. 1, 2002: 59
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Napolitano frees funds for border woes
Gov. Janet Napolitano declared an emergency along Arizona's border with Mexico on Monday, making up to $1.5 million available to beleaguered local governments.
Four border counties - Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma - will be able to use the money to bolster law enforcement along a 350-mile border that has become the nation's busiest and deadliest crossing point for illegal migrants.
The state was forced to act, Napolitano said after signing the declaration, because the federal government has failed to secure the border.
"We just couldn't keep waiting," she said.
Napolitano's declaration comes three days after a similar move by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who made up to $1.75 million in emergency funds available to four southwestern border counties in his state.
In both states, border communities have become portals for a steady flow of illegal migrants who often pay thousands of dollars and risk death to come to the United States.
With them has come a surge in vehicle thefts, drug smuggling and property damage - crimes Napolitano said her declaration is aimed at addressing.
"The problem isn't new, but it has been growing," she said.
According to spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer, the emergency money can go toward a variety of purposes, such as overtime pay for law enforcement officers, repair of border fences and autopsies on migrants who never make it out of the Arizona desert.
In Santa Cruz County, Sheriff Tony Estrada told the governor in a recent letter that he "could definitely use" the money to pay for equipment like night-vision goggles, satellite telephones, and computer tracking devices.
Estrada called the declaration a much-needed attempt to aid cash-strapped communities bearing the brunt of illegal immigration.
"We could use all the help, funding and resources possible," he said.
"We are a small, poor county and there is not much separating us from Mexico. There is no buffer zone. We are joined at the hip with Mexico," he said.
Just as significant, Estrada added, is the message the emergency declaration sends to the federal government.
"What the governor is doing will send the message that they need to look at us and help us," he said. "We deal with international and federal issues and the federal government should pitch in."
Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry praised the state's "more aggressive role," calling it long overdue. "It recognizes the tremendous impact of border crossers on local taxpayers," he said.
Arizona-Mexico Commissioner Marco Lopez said he does not expect the declaration will weaken Arizona's relationship with Mexico or the state of Sonora.
Some Republicans, though, dismissed the declaration as little more than a political gesture.
"It's Janet come lately," said Republican state Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa, a possible candidate for governor in 2006. "She could have done it months ago."
Former State Senate President John Greene, who also hopes to run against Napolitano next year, called the declaration a politically motivated "media event."
● Border Patrol areas affected by the states of emergency declared by the governors of Arizona and New Mexico
Tucson Sector
● Size: 93,000 square miles
● International boundary: 261 miles
● Area: All of Arizona except Yuma, La Paz and Mohave counties.
● Agents: 2,194
● Apprehensions since Oct. 1, 2002: 1,553,396
● Deaths since Oct. 1, 2002: 568
El Paso Sector
● Size: 125,500 square miles
● International boundary: 289 miles
● Area: All of New Mexico and the two westernmost counties in Texas.
● Agents: 1,200
● Apprehensions since Oct. 1, 2002: 387,607
● Deaths since: Oct. 1, 2002: 59
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ironic statement since she was against the Minute Men a couple of months ago. She's taking a beating on News Talk Radio 790AM today
