Series on Border Patrol
In response to “Crossing the Line: Turmoil in the U.S. Border Patrol,” April 22-24:
As someone who has spent many hours with Border Patrol agents, I read with interest your lengthy articles detailing the problems--real and alleged--with the patrol. While the vast majority of agents are conscientious and meet high standards, no one would disagree that improvements are needed.
However, I believe your reporters hit the nail on the head in the final article when they state that the underlying problem is that Washington asks Border Patrol officers to do too much with far too few resources. That is the real tragedy, not only for the Border Patrol, but for our nation.
The solution to the illegal immigration problem is to first give the Border Patrol the personnel and equipment it needs to adequately patrol the border, while also removing the jobs and benefits that lure so many millions to break our laws. At the same time, we must also continue encouraging the economic reforms that hold out the promise of lifting Mexico’s economy and working to ensure regional stability and economic growth in Central America.
I hope that somebody at The Times will report on what can be done as well as what has been done.
REP. ELTON GALLEGLY
R-Simi Valley
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