Another Successful Highway Clean up Day

Led by Gadget Dan, Campo Minutemen collected a record 14 orange bags of trash, much of it dropped by illegal border crossers.

Common trash items include lighters, "border booties" shirts, condom wrappers, and trail markers - usually plastic bags tied in bushes or trees. Food and water packages with Spanish writing are common. Spanish language soda bottles are often refilled with water.

The Campo Minutemen returned to the 7 3/4 mile marker on Buckman Springs where evidence of well used trails was recently discovered by GSB America. There appeared to have been a group which crossed very recently, as papers and food from a fresh picnic were found along with fresh foot prints.

Two pairs of ripped jeans were also fond. Jeans are frequently torn and refashioned to carry personal items or drugs.

12/29/07 Camp Minutemen Highway Clean up

Campo Minutemen Highway Clean up

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Date: Saturday, December 29, 2007

Time 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Location: Oak and Buckman Springs Road, Campo, CA

Lunch: Noon, Campo Diner

Point of Contact: 949-677-2738

Last outing, we sent a record for most pounds of trash picked up in one day!

Provided: Reflector Vests and Trash Tongs

Bring: Gloves, Warm Jacket Comfortable Shoes

Merry Christmas fromThe Campo Minutemen

Border Patrol Speaks Out Against Violence Against Agents

Letter to the Editor of San Diego Union Tribune Newspaper


http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071222/news_lz1e22letters.html

Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers Newsletter Chief Fisher's Letter to the Editor of San Diego Union Tribune Newspaper "The deliberate, unmitigated violence against my agents is going to stop." With these few words, I directed my command staff to find a way to make this directive become reality and to establish a new way of doing business. Today, we stand resolute and committed to this objective. Many of you may be aware of our operational deployments along the border with Mexico as the increase of violence against Border Patrol Agents continues at unprecedented levels. Last year, one out of every four assaults against agents along the 2,000 miles of border with Mexico occurred in San Diego . Not only is this trend continuing, but it is dramatically increasing; since October 2007 we have recorded over 100 assaults thus far. Nearly twice a day, the men and women of the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, who have unselfishly taken an oath to protect this great Nation, are subjected to violent assaults from criminals operating in Mexico . These assaults include smugglers throwing large rocks at the agents (at times after the rocks have been wrapped in cloth, doused in kerosene and lit on fire), launching glass bottles, large pieces of wood, steel ball bearings fired from sling shots, to name a few. To those who would argue that this violence is perpetrated by juvenile delinquents and that we should expect this as a "cost of doing business", I offer the following: criminal organizations (alien smugglers and drug smugglers) are hiring known criminals to cross into the United States illegally, create a diversion, and lure our agents into an ambush. When our agents respond, the criminals use military style tactics and "triangulate" their offensive, pinning down the agents in a violent assault. While the agents seek cover, the smugglers move people and contraband over the fence into our neighborhoods. In response to this criminal activity, I have deployed the Special Response Team to these dangerous border areas. Border Patrol Agents are authorized to deploy less-lethal munitions as necessary to protect and defend themselves and other agents against life-threatening assaults being perpetrated by criminals in Mexico . We will continue to use reasonable force in self-defense as necessary to protect our front-line agents from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. My primary responsibility as the Chief Patrol Agent in San Diego is to the border security mission and to ensure, to the extent that I can within the law and consistent with agency policy, a safe and secure border for our men and women. To do less would be at the very least irresponsible and at worst, malfeasance. We will not relinquish ground under operational control nor will we retreat from our front-line deployments; the threat is real, our border security mission critical, and failure is clearly not an option. Michael J. Fisher Chief Patrol Agent United States Border Patrol San Diego Sector

Home

Attacks on US Border Patrol Agents in San Diego, CA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD6cN14Xq1k

Photos Released Of Attacks On Border Patrol Agents

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=76698

SAN DIEGO, CA (NBC) -- The U.S. Border Patrol has released photos of attacks on agents that they say have led to the use of pepper spray and tear gas in Mexican border neighborhoods.

Officials said that escalating violence at the U.S.-Mexico border is forcing agents to take new measures, and the new tactics are creating controversy.

Since October 1, there have been 90 assaults against Border Patrol agents in the San Diego area, according to officials.

The violence is most common just east of the San Ysidro port of entry along a 2-mile stretch of border, in an area called Colonia Libertad.

"It is a scary situation," said Damon Foreman of the Border Patrol. "It's an area that has a tradition and a history for being a smuggling type of neighborhood."

The area is one of most densely populated neighborhoods pushing up against the border.

Several U.S. Border Patrol agents have reported rock-throwing incidents in the area.

"The windshields are being busted. They're going through the windshield and actually hitting our agents and actually harming them," Foreman said.

In response, the Border Patrol called in special response teams equipped to shoot pepper spray across the border, but human rights activists say the suspected smugglers and rock throwers aren't the only ones being targeted.

"We're getting reports from residents in Tijuana that canisters are being fired by border patrol agents into folks? homes in Tijuana," said Christian Ramirez of the American Friends Service Committee.

Agents admit they cannot direct the pepper spray with 100 percent accuracy.

In the end, immigrant rights activists say this may just be a symptom of a much bigger problem.

"Border Patrol agents shouldn't be placed in danger. Residents in Tijuana shouldn't have canisters sent into their homes. I think if we were to have a sensible immigration policy that many of these things could be avoided," Ramirez said.

The Mexican Consulate said the Mexican government is aware there is a problem and has met with the Border Patrol to find a way to resolve these issues.

"Hit gone bad"; Mexican gang fails to kill border patrol agent, family

"Hit gone bad"; Mexican gang fails to kill border patrol agent, family

MARY BUSTAMANTE
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/breakingnews/71167.php

In what inside police sources describe as a “hit gone bad, ” a dead man found on the South Side has been connected to the armed invasion of the home of an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent and his family.

Tucson police Sgt. Fabian Pacheco said investigators have determined that Christian Gomez, 20, who had been shot to death, was one of the suspects in the invasion, which occurred at 4:50 a.m. Dec. 9. His body was found almost five hours later in a desert area south of Irvington Road and First Avenue , Pacheco said.

A Border Patrol agent, whom police would not identify, said four armed intruders forced their way into his home and one fired a gun at him as the agent retreated.

The agent then got his duty weapon and "returned fire as the suspects fled the area in a Kia (sport utility vehicle)," Pacheco said. He added that the agent, who immediately called 911, didn't know whether he hit any of the intruders.

“We are under attack,” the agent said. “Our families have been targeted by Ms-13and other violent gangs.”

About two and a half hours later, a police officer saw smoke near Campbell Avenue and Virginia Street , just north of Drexel Road . A Kia SUV was "fully engulfed in flames," Pacheco said, adding that bullet holes were found in it after the fire was put out. Police suspected it was the vehicle in the home invasion.

Subsequently, detectives identified and arrested Mark A. Escobar Jr., who they believe to have been the driver, Pacheco said.

He is being held in the Pima County Jail on $500,000 bond on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, arson of an occupied structure, armed robbery and aggravated robbery.

Detectives still are looking for additional suspects. Inside police sources reveal a growing anger amongst the rank and file, who believe that local government open border policy, and a “hands off” approach to illegals, has significantly increased their danger.

“We all know what happened to Officer Nick Erfle up in Phoenix .” Last month Officer Nick Erfle, a father of three, was knocked to the ground and shot three times in the face, by a Mexican Illegal who had been deported the month before.

The Border Patrol is doing an administrative investigation of the agent's use of force, said Public Information Officer Jesus Rodriguez. He said it is policy for the agency to investigate any agent-involved shooting, on or off duty.

He said he doesn't expect a report for a week or more.

The home invasion is being investigated by the Tucson Police Department, which asks anyone with information to call 911 or 88-CRIME.

Mexico police chief murder linked to border tunnel

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20071204-0953-mexico-drugs-.html

TIJUANA, Mexico – Gunmen killed the police chief of a Mexican city bordering California Tuesday by shooting him some 50 times in an apparent revenge attack after police found a drug-smuggling tunnel under the border.

Gunmen broke into the house of Tecate police chief Juan Soriano in the early hours of the morning and shot him repeatedly in the face and torso as he slept in bed with his wife, an official at the Baja California state attorney general's office told Reuters. His wife was not hit.

The killing of Soriano, who had started his job only last week, appeared to be an act of revenge against Mexican police, who Monday discovered a tunnel nearly a mile long running into California from Tecate near the Pacific coast after a tip-off from the U.S. Border Patrol.

“As soon as Soriano made public the discovery of the tunnel, he went home and hours later, they executed him in his bedroom,” said the official, who requested anonymity.

--------------------------------------------------

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20071204-1205-bn04tecate.html

Police later found two abandoned pickups – a Toyota Tundra and a Ford F-150 Lobo – suspected of having been used by the killers. Inside, officers found discarded gloves and hooded sweatshirts, along with other undisclosed items being examined by investigators.

The Tundra bore California license plates, while the Ford had no plates, Alvarez said.

Campo Minutemen prepare to be extra vigilant.

Suspected drug tunnel found near Tecate

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-mew-tunnel4dec04,0,5931589.story?coll=la-home-center

(Tacate is just East of Campo - Indy)

SAN DIEGO -- Federal authorities discovered a suspected cross-border drug tunnel in Tecate this morning after a U.S. Border Patrol canine unit followed the scent of drugs to a compound of trailers north of the border, authorities said.

An agent entered a cargo-like container and saw a man with a gun in his waistband disappearing into a hole. Inside the container were thousands of pounds of what is believed to be marijuana, said James Jacques, a Border Patrol spokesman.

The site is in a rural area 40 miles east of San Diego, and the tunnel's north entrance is about a quarter-mile from the Tecate Port of Entry, which would make it one of the longest tunnels discovered in recent years along the border. It has concrete and wood supports -- telltale signs of a sophisticated drug-smuggling operation, according to a federal law enforcement source.

Bundles of drugs also were found in a nearby trailer, suggesting that the stash was apparently in the process of being transferred for shipment. Mexican authorities are said to be searching for the tunnel entry point in the Mexican town of Tecate. Authorities don't yet know how long the tunnel was operational.

richard.marosi@latimes.com

Body of border crosser found south of San Diego

Otay Mesa - you can see the well worn foot trails used by the Illegal Border Crossers




Litter - 5 broken disposable lighter, 5 combs and 5 toothbrushes. Also found was a knapsack with with jeans, shirts and a quart of orange liqueur.


Tijuana -

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7554770?nclick_check=1


Body of border crosser found south of San Diego

The Associated Press

SAN DIEGO—The body of a suspected border crosser who has been missing for nearly two months was found in the Otay Mountain wilderness.

Natalio Rico Gomez, 34, of Monterrey, Mexico, was discovered Saturday about 2 p.m. by a nonprofit organization that organizes search teams to look for missing immigrants.

Gomez, who was a diabetic, may have suffered a heart attack. He apparently did not have his medicine with him when he tried to cross the border on Oct. 1, said Rafael Hernandez, who heads of Angels of the Desert.

Gomez was headed to San Marcos to look for work.

It was the first time that Gomez, who delivered newspapers for El Norte in Monterrey, had tried to cross the border, said the victim's brother-in-law Isaias Palomeque.

Border crossers who had been in the area earlier discovered the body and called Gomez's relatives in Mexico after finding identification in his wallet, Hernandez said. The relatives then contacted Angels of the Desert to ask for help in locating and retrieving the body.

Campo Minutemen - briefly - in the news

http://www.ocregister.com/news/thompson-presidential-woods-1933239-know-rally

Saturday, December 1, 2007
Thompson appeals to his base in Laguna Woods
Presidential candidate Fred Thompson visits Orange County for a rally and speech, and gives the Register a one-on-one interview.
By RICHARD CHANG
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 2 | Recommend 5

Lynn Schott of Irvine walked into a Laguna Woods clubhouse Saturday morning not really sure who she'd vote for in the February presidential primary.

She walked out confident about her pick: Fred Thompson.

"I was really on the fence before," said the 45-year-old home school educator. "I came here to get more information. The combination of listening to the debate the other night and coming here to the rally and seeing him up close… really put me over into his camp."

Republican presidential candidate Thompson dropped by Laguna Woods Saturday to speak to about 400 residents and folks curious about the former senator and star of "Law & Order." Though he's lagging in the polls, Thompson, 65, drew a receptive audience in a region that has voted majority Republican in presidential elections for the last several decades.

"I've been looking for some good Republicans. Do you know where I can find any?" he said to whoops and cheers.

"I have been the same thing that I've always been. I've been a proud, common-sense conservative since the day I first stepped into politics. …What you see is what you get and it will not change."

In front of about 40 pre-selected supporters onstage, Thompson talked about maintaining national security, fighting against radical Islam, securing U.S. borders, lowering taxes and eliminating the estate or "death tax."

"You've lived long enough to see things come and go," he said to the audience of mostly seniors. "You know the difference between the real and the unreal. You know that it is our obligation to leave this place better."

Laguna Woods residents Perry King and his wife Nancy were impressed.

"I'm a conservative," said Perry King, 69. "I stand for the things he's saying."

"I like him because he hasn't been a career politician," said his wife, 64, a college professor. "He's very charismatic. That's the thing I didn't anticipate."

Other speakers at the rally included State Sen. Tom McClintock, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, former State Sen. Dick Mountjoy and former KFI radio talk show host John Ziegler.

Before the rally, a small group of protesters held signs and American flags on the corner outside the clubhouse gate. The group called itself "Campo Minutemen" and said it opposes illegal immigration.

Contact the writer: 714-796-6026 or rchang@ocregister.com

Campo Minutemen Report Group of 15

Campo Minutemen spotted and reported a group of approximately 15 border crossers at The Oaks last evening.

There are bulldozers working on the road to the electrical wires and the Campo Minutemen were provided with maps of how to take this road to Jacumba.

The bulldozer operators thanked the Campo Minutemen for their work and reported that they had contacts to build fence in the area in a few months.

As things have been slow in Campo, The Campo Minutemen spent time in a heavy traffic area near Otay Mesa although communications have been problematic in that area.

Veterans Day Weekend November 10-12

Veterans Day Weekend November 10-12

First let me thank all of the Minutemen who are also Veterans, still serving their country.

The National Guard is back in place the wild fires having receded. And to put to rest the urban rumor that Blackwater started the Harris fire to "get back" at Protrero for not backing Blackwater West, Protero did not in fact burn up in the Harris fire.

Viking was out for the weekend, as was a newbie, lost one, having located The Campo Minutemen from the diligent work of our webmaster.

Max is back at the border for a month with a vehicle loaned by a Campo Minutemen member.

The highway clean up was a big success. It addition to picking up a record amount of illegal alien trahs, GSB located a major arthey of crossers. We will be back there for more clean up soon.

Open Borders Protesters Clash With Border Patrol

From Lone Wolf:

The "No Border Camp" on the Calexico - Mexicali border ended with a thorough ass-whooping.

On the last day everything went well, up until the last moment, when participants marched down to the border wall, attempted to shut down traffic on the road, by laying down in the middle of the street, in traffic, and started cutting holes in the border fence.

Within seconds approximately 100 Border Patrol agents showed up, and surrounded the crowd. An activist drummer tried to motivate his comrades and annoy BP agents with his war drum. He was repeatedly asked to cut it out. He chose to ignore the wise words. BP agents consequently wiped up the street with the guy, and he was off to the pokey in handcuffs. This is part of the romantic video, below.

Next, the crowd was driven away from the fence. Batons, pepper pellet guns were applied liberally, even some rubber bullets were fired, and a good time was had by all.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1TfsR02HJh0

Campo Minutemen Pick Up Trash Left By Illegal Border Crossers

Campo Minutemen spent Veteran's Day cleaning up trash left behind by immigrants illegally crossing the border.

GSB America discovered a major trail littered with hundreds of "border booties" the rug pieces the border crossers tie around their shoes to avoid leaving foot prints.

Also discovered was a bag of burritos and water left for the illegal immigrants. The volunteers then were treated to lunch by a supporter.



Water and Burritos:



Shoe covered with border bootie:




Box of full water bottles:



Gadget Dan Reaches across a fence to pick up some trash:

Well traveled trail:

Pictures of the West San Diego Border

This fence was built in the 1980's, primarily under the direction of Duncan Hunter. The area between the new fence and the old, brown fence is used exclusively by Border Patrol and Law Enforcement




Campo, CA, at the old fence

Highway Clean up and Border Watch 11/10/2007 9 - noon

The Campo Minutemen's Adopt a Highway Program under the direction of unsung American Hero, Gadget Dan, have picked up over $10,000 pounds of trash.

*********Join the Campo Minutemen for Highway Clean up and Border Watch***********

Date: Saturday, November 10, 2007
Time: 9 am to 12:00 Noon
Phone: 904-687-7867
Location: Corner of Oak and Buckman Springs Road
Tongs, Bags and Reflector Vests Provided.
Gloves Recommended

Lunch at Noon
Campo Dinner
Courtesy of the Campo Minutemen

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Directions:
I-5 or I 15 South toward SAN DIEGO.
Keep LEFT to take I-805 S.
Merge onto I-8 E toward EL CENTRO.
Take the BUCKMAN SPRINGS RD exit- EXIT 51.
Turn RIGHT onto BUCKMAN SPRINGS RD / CR-S1
End at Oak Dr & Buckman Springs Rd

Campo Minutemen Showing Law Enforcement The Border

Campo Minutemen have been escorting off duty members of Law Enforcement around the Border the last few days. The members of Law Enforcement had been reassigned to fire areas and were very interested to see the border for themselves. Campo Minutemen were honored to show them around.

Illegal Immigrants Surrender to Escape Fires

Fearing for their safety, about 50 suspected illegal immigrants have surrendered to the Border Patrol since Sunday to escape one of Southern California's largest wildfires.

The Border Patrol says no illegal immigrants have been reported injured, but agents are scouting a hilly, heavily wooded area east of San Diego for anyone in trouble. The so-called Harris Fire has burned 22,000 acres near the Mexican border. One civilian has been killed, while 16 people and five firefighters are injured.

Good map of the area with satellite photos
<http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=32.963847&lon=-117.160177&z=15&l=0&m=m&v=2>

Fire at the Border

Campo Minutemen urged to leave border area. Contact Kingfish if you need a place to stay.


http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=b3ba9cf6-da74-4b6a-b723-780b3283d6b7

Cal Fire officials report that at least four people have been seriously injured in the Harris Fire. Four air ambulances have responded to take people to UCSD Burn Center. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least some of the injured are firefighters.

The Harris Fire is one of two wildfires are burning in the East County, whipped by Santa Ana winds. The newest one, according to the California Highway Patrol, started in the Witch Creek area, between Ramona and Santa Ysabel, somewhere along Highway 78. This fire is more than 100 acres. Authorities report buildings are threatened and the Sheriff is preparing to evacuate areas around Witch Creek.

A bigger fire is near the border where at least one home was destroyed and another was seriously damaged today in a fast-moving brush fire in a rural area near the Tecate border that was being fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds, authorities said.

"There's nothing we can really do until the wind dies down to slow it down," Cal Fire Capt. Matt Streck said at midday.

The blaze started about 9:30 a.m. near Harris Ranch Road and Potrero Valley Road and had scorched both sides of Highway 94 and was heading west as

of the noon hour, but no injuries were reported, Streck said.

Highway 94 was closed between Forest Gate Road and Highway 188. The fire has jumped Highway 188.

About 50 to 100 homes were in potential harm's way as of midday. At that point, at least one home had been lost and another was seriously damaged, Streck said.

The Sheriff is issuing mandatory evacuations for Barrett Junction and Dulzura. Evacuations are also in effect from Potrero Park Road to the south; north of Highway 94; west of Harris Ranch Road and east of Potrero Valley Road.

Fire officials say people should use common sense and not wait to be told to evacuate. They advise to plan ahead if you are near the fire's path and evacuate if you see fire. They also advise that people with animals will need to plan for additional time.

Residents in and around the Julian area were told to head to Ramona High School to the west or the Borrego area to the east if Ramona was too far, according to San Diego County sheriff's officials.

About 300 firefighters were battling the flames, with help from five airtankers, three helicopters and two bulldozers.

The County Emergency Management Center has been activated. An estimated 700 homes were notified of the danger by reverse 911 calls.

County Animal Services is setting up at a shelter that has been opened for displaced residents at the Steele Canyon High School. The San Diego Humane Society is helping take care of large animals near the Jamul Fire Station.

People with non-emergency calls about the fire as asked to call 2-1-1. The non-emergency number from a cell phone is 858-300-1211.

Smoke from the fire is drifting east into more heavily populated areas. Ash is falling in some neighborhoods and residents report smelling smoke.

Watch for more updates here on FOX6.COM and see full coverage of the fire and today's Santa Ana winds tonight at 10:00 on FOX6 News.

Border Patrol agent shoots man who attacked him with rock

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20071012-0651-bn12agent.html

Border Patrol agent shoots man who attacked him with rock

SAN DIEGO – A Border Patrol agent shot and wounded a suspected illegal immigrant Thursday after the man assaulted him with a rock, authorities said.

The agent had gone to check on a seismic detection device in a rugged canyon off Barrett Smith Road near State 94 between the communities of Barrett Junction and Tecate about 6 p.m., sheriff's Lt. Dennis Brugos said.

He came upon two men and tried to take them into custody but they resisted and pelted the agent with rocks and sticks, Brugos said.

The agent fired once, hitting the 30-year-old man.

Border Patrol officials notified the Sheriff's Department and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection about the shooting at 7 p.m.

A CalFire dispatcher said the wounded man was stuck in a 500-foot ravine. It took firefighters using a winch at the top of the ravine about two hours to hoist up the man. He was flown to hospital with injuries authorities say are not life-threatening.

He was arrested and will face charges that include assault on a federal officer.

The agent was treated for minor injuries. The other man got away.

The sheriff's department is investigating the shooting, which is routine with officer-involved shootings in unincorporated areas.

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Debbi Baker: (619) 293-1710; debbi.baker@uniontrib.com

Army-Drug Gang Shootout Leaves 15 Dead in Mexico (NO US Media on This)

http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Army_Drug_Gang_Shootout_Leaves_15_Dead_in_Mexico_09363.html

Army-Drug Gang Shootout Leaves 15 Dead in Mexico

by Diane Smith 23:35, October 5th 2007

A shootout between armed forces and drug smugglers in the Mexican city of Tampico on Friday left 15 people dead and 10 wounded in the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, local media reported. The Army raided the area inhabited by the criminals and seized 20 tons of cocaine, radio and online press reported. Tampico city is the home to the Gulf Cartel, one of the two most powerful Mexican drug gangs. The clash between the soldiers and traffickers wasn’t immediately confirmed by the National Defense Ministry or the public prosecutor's office. The only official who mentioned the operation was none other than the Mexican President Felipe Calderon who talked about it in a speech in Ciudad Victoria. He was set to visit the town just a few hours after the raid took place. "We have doubled the efforts to make the law prevail in Mexico with ... actions and interventions like those that happened recently, I can say today (Friday), in the state of Tamaulipas," Calderon said. The drug-related violence has reached very high levels in the north-eastern Mexican state. At least 2,000 people have been killed this year alone in quarrels between the rival gangs. Ninety percent of cocaine entering the US comes through Mexico so John Walters, the top White House official in charge of anti-drug efforts, was very pleased with the Mexican authorities and praised them for their efforts to fight the cartels that supply the white powder. Since he began his term as Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon sent about 30,000 troops and federal police across the country to deal with the drug gangs. Although this method was seen with skepticism at first, it seems to be the right path to follow. The price of the white powder in 37 US cities rose since March and the purity of it has dropped by 11% over the same period showing that the traffickers are diluting their dwindling stocks to stretch it further and meet demand. "After 25 years of cocaine coming into the United States, there has never been the kind of disruption of this magnitude for this long," Mr Walters, who also released the figures above mentioned, said.

Fugitive arrested at border crossing

Fugitive arrested at border crossing

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/10/06/news/sandiego/19_06_3110_5_07.txt

By: North County Times Wire Service

SAN DIEGO -- Federal agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry today arrested a fugitive wanted on three counts of second-degree murder and a kidnapping charge in Florida, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported.

Loubert Jules, 19, was a passenger in a Jeep Cherokee that entered the port facility this morning, CBP information officer Angelica De Cima said.

Record and fingerprint checks determined that Jules was the subject of a felony warrant in Lees County, Fla., De Cima said.

Customs officers took Jules into custody and transported him to county jail to be held pending extradition back to the East Coast.

Details about the charges against him were not released

Border agents to be issued stronger air guns

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20071006-9999-1m6guns.html

Weapon fires balls of pepper or ink

By Leslie Berestein

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

October 6, 2007

Border Patrol agents in the agency's San Diego, Yuma and Tucson sectors will soon begin using a more powerful compressed-air gun to fire pepper or ink balls at illegal border crossers during violent confrontations.

The device, called an FN 303, can shoot the filled plastic projectiles 225 feet, said Andrea Zortman, a spokeswoman for the agency in Washington, D.C. The pepper-ball launchers currently used by agents have a range of about 60 feet.

Training in how to use the FN 303 has been going on for some time, and the devices will be used in the field within a few months, Zortman said this week. They will be used first in San Diego and Arizona because that is where the most violence against agents has occurred, she said. Eventually the air guns will be distributed for use nationwide.

Zortman said there were 893 assaults on Border Patrol agents nationwide between Oct. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, versus 752 for all of the previous year.

In San Diego, there were 238 attacks on agents between Oct. 1, 2006, and the beginning of this month.

“We are definitely seeing an increase in assaults on our Border Patrol agents, a lot coming from a greater distance,” Zortman said. “There are rocks thrown, bottles thrown, vehicle assaults, shootings. We want to be able to have our agents address the situation, and potentially defuse it, at a lower level of lethality than using his or her firearm.”

Agents are armed with .40-caliber handguns and collapsible batons, and can check out a pepper-ball launcher at the beginning of a shift if they anticipate needing one, Zortman said. The ink component, which is new, is to mark smuggling suspects or attackers for potential arrest by authorities on either side of the border.

The agency refers to the FN 303 as “less lethal,” rather than nonlethal. Fatalities have occurred: In October 2004, a 21-year-old female college student died in Boston after being struck in the eye by a pepper ball fired from an FN 303 used by officers to control crowds celebrating the Red Sox's pennant win that year.

The Mexican Consulate is critical of the use of pepper-ball launchers for the same reason. In Imperial County this year, two Mexican teenagers were hit by pepper balls fired by agents, and one boy now stands an 80 percent chance of losing an eye, said Pablo Arnaud, the Mexican consul in Calexico.

A 20-year-old Mexican man died there in March after an agent-involved shooting with a firearm.

Zortman said part of the idea is to cut down on agent-involved gun shootings. Agent Matthew Johnson in the San Diego sector said 14 such shootings have taken place locally since Oct. 1, 2006.

A fatal agent-involved shooting took place in Escondido in May, when an agent shot and killed a smuggling suspect who, it was later discovered, was a legal resident.

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Leslie Berestein: (619) 542-4579; leslie.berestein@uniontrib.com