7/30/2014
.jpg?w=440&h=330&aspect=nostretch "BP said that apprehensions for immigrants have dropped from about 1,500 a day to about 900")
150 newly reassigned Border Patrol agents are in the valley ready to help with the border crisis affecting our community.
Border Patrol officials confirm that apprehensions for undocumented immigrants have dropped from about 1,500 a day to about 900.
However, even with the drop, the Rio Grande Valley is still one of the busiest sectors in the United States.
There are 20 sectors in Border Patrol nationwide, but the Rio Grande Valley is different.
There are 20 sectors in Border Patrol nationwide, but the Rio Grande Valley is different.
It has approximately 54 miles of border fence and 3,000 permanent agents securing the South Texas Border, it has become one of the most popular for illegal immigration.
"It's the closest point of entry to Central America so it makes sense. Approximately 1,000 miles to Central America. So when they get here it’s the closest point to get to. Perhaps California, that's 2,000 miles away," said Border Patrol Public Affairs Officer Omar Zamora.
It’s why Zamora said an additional 300 temporary agents from other parts of the country have been sent to work here.
"Other sectors are not receiving the same flow/traffic that the RGV sector is having, so we're able to detail some of those agents in here to assist," explained Zamora.
Some 150 agents arrived Monday, they are replacing another 150 agents that had arrived earlier and completed their assignments.
Some 150 agents arrived Monday, they are replacing another 150 agents that had arrived earlier and completed their assignments.
Zamora reassured us that while these agents are new to the valley, they are ready to hit the ground running by helping out both in the field and in processing centers.
In fact, these new arrivals will be given no additional or special training because according to Zamora, these agents already know how to track, use GPS, call in helicopters and other agents for assistance out in the field.
"They've got that skillset that no matter where you place them that they are able to be effective. There may be a little bit of down time once they become familiar with the terrain-that's to be expected, but they should be producing relatively quickly," said Zamora.
Border Patrol isn't too sure exactly why the number of apprehensions has decreased, but Zamora believes it could be due to several different factors: high-level meetings between American, Mexican and Central American leaders, a recent ad campaign warning Central Americans about the dangers of crossing, and/or the Texas summer heat.
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