BOLSTER THE BORDER

Ashcroft's Visit Proved Interest In The Region

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft's weekend visit to El Paso sent a
positive message about the federal government's interest in border
issues, particularly anti-drug efforts.

Ashcroft praised the arrest and extradition of an alleged drug
trafficker as evidence of cooperation between the United States and
Mexico in the drug war. His praise is well-received: Unless there's
intense binational cooperation, the drug war is made much more
difficult, if not impossible.

It's also good to have Washington-based officials come to the border
and see the realities of drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and the
logistical, geographical and topological problems inherent in
effective border law-enforcement.

He's now seen that while the Border Patrol and other federal agencies
are doing yeoman work, much more is needed in the way of personnel,
equipment and funding. Border control, whether it be in drug
interdiction or immigration regulation, is fluid and ever-changing,
and the federal agencies tasked with law enforcement must be able to
respond to growing and changing needs.

Ashcroft said President Bush's 2002 budget includes at least 25 new
Border Patrol agents for El Paso, and more money for equipment. That's
welcome news, but much more will be needed.