Pearce Hails News of 265 More Border Patrol Agents for Southern New Mexico

Pearce Hails News of 265 More Border Patrol Agents for Southern New Mexico

New agents will arrive in 2006, bringing total number to 988 - an increase of more than 80% since August 2005

Washington, D.C., Nov 14 - U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce today hailed the news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will assign 265 new border patrol agents to Southern New Mexico in 2006. When added to the 179 new agents who arrived in September, the number of border patrol agents in New Mexico will reach 988 in 2006 - an increase of more than 80% from their August 2005 total of 544.

"This news constitutes further evidence that the Department of Homeland Security is hearing and heeding our demand for action in securing the border," Rep. Pearce said. "Since our successful efforts earlier this year to pass legislation adding 1,500 border patrol agents, we have pressed the Department to give rural areas like New Mexico priority in assigning these new agents.

"Since we brought the House Homeland Security Committee to Southern New Mexico three months ago to view our open border, we have made important progress. Yet, a great deal of hard work remains before we achieve true border security. Congress must continue to enhance the resources available to the federal agencies responsible for protecting the border - while holding them accountable for efficiently and effectively doing their job. Moreover, comprehensive immigration reform remains an indispensable imperative."

http://pearce.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=36970