Attrition through Enforcement

Apprehensions decreased by 67 percent in southern Luna County in New Mexico thanks to the construction of a border fence and increased resources. Also, the completion of a pedestrian fence in Santa Teresa has allowed for the re-deployment of agents to other areas.

In Columbus, N.M., a 6-mile pedestrian fence has resulted in decreased apprehensions by 60 percent and a 100 percent decrease in narcotics.

“It is clear that the implementation of infrastructure in targeted areas of New Mexico has had a tremendous impact on reducing the volume of apprehensions in those areas,” El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Victor M. Manjarrez, Jr. said in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release.

The Department of Homeland Security is looking to complete 370 miles of fencing along the southern border by the end of 2008.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website has more on this story.