Officials: Arellano cartel weaker, still in control
By Anna Cearley
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

TIJUANA – Mexico's top investigator of organized crime has talked about the region's Arellano Félix drug trafficking group as if it were a thing of the past in this border city.

But some drug trafficking experts in Mexico and the United States say the cartel still controls the passage of drugs through Tijuana, even if it is weaker after a five-year offensive by Mexican government.

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Border issues to dominate governor's agenda
The Arizona Republic

Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano was expected to start her re-election campaign today with plans to tackle illegal immigration with a border radar system and additional staffing that could include stationing National Guard troops at the border.

During her fourth State of the State address, Napolitano's Mexican border security plan will likely call for using a new ground-based radar called "Smart Fence" to detect people trying to illegally cross the U.S.-Mexican border.

She also wants to hire more state Highway Patrol officers to fight crimes associated with illegal immigration. And she would like the National Guard to play a supporting role at the border, but only if the federal government pays the tab. Napolitano's proposals on illegal immigration would cost an estimated $50 million to $100 million.

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Drug 'War Zone' Rattles U.S.-Mexico Border

Drug Groups Are Said to Be Fighting for Primacy at Laredo and Nuevo Laredo

ABC News

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico, Jan. 8, 2005 — - A few weeks ago, five men were shot to death in a car repair shop in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

In any other city, it might be called a massacre. In Nuevo Laredo, it's called business as usual.

Across the river in Laredo, Texas, the sheriff called it something else.

"It's a war zone," said Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores. "We've got level three body armor. They've got level four. We've got cell phones. They've got satellite cell phones that we can't tap into.

"We're being outgunned," Flores added. "And that's the reason why we're concerned on this side."

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DHS Announces Task Forces to Combat Cross-Border Crime at the Southwest Border

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today the creation of new Border Enforcement and Security Task Forces, as part of the Department’s Secure Border Initiative aimed at increasing control over our borders. These task forces will be nationally-integrated teams with federal, state, and local representation specifically directed at cross-border criminal activity.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today the creation of new Border Enforcement and Security Task Forces, as part of the Department’s Secure Border Initiative aimed at increasing control over our borders. These task forces will be nationally-integrated teams with federal, state, and local representation specifically directed at cross-border criminal activity.

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DHS Expands Operation Stonegarden to Bolster Border Security Efforts

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the expansion of Operation Stonegarden, an initiative that will give states additional funding and flexibility to strengthen America’s borders.

The new grant guidance reflects Secretary Michael Chertoff's top priorities to strengthen border security and establish a common approach to enhancing preparedness capabilities throughout our nation.

As part of the 2006 fiscal year Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) will award $400 million in grants to states based on risk and need. In fiscal year 2006, the LETPP allows for up to 25 percent of the funds awarded to each border state to be used for border protection.

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Illegal Invaders
By Jamie Glazov
FrontPageMagazine.com

Frontpage Interview’s guest today is Arizona State Representative Russell Pearce, the former Chief Deputy for Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Judge. He is one of

Arizona’s and the nation’s most vigilant activists on illegal immigration, securing our borders and enforcing our laws. He is recipient of the Medal of Valor, which is the highest award given in law enforcement for exceptional bravery. He was the architect of the illegal alien "Protect Arizona NOW" initiative known as Proposition 200.

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Program cracks down on ‘catch and release’
The Associated Press |

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Illegal immigrants crossing part of the Texas-Mexico border will be detained and deported now that officials are cracking down on a “catch-and-release” policy that was meant to save jail space but ended up being a free pass into the country.

The catch-and-release method drew up to 150 non-Mexican immigrants near Eagle Pass each day last year, many actually hoping to get caught because the policy allowed them stay in the U.S. if they promised to appear in court after 30 days. Some 90 percent failed to show. The policy didn’t apply to Mexicans because immigration agents would simply drive them back.

For the new crackdown, authorities made available prison space for immigrants arrested in this high-traffic zone. If caught, they are prosecuted for illegal entry, a misdemeanor. If convicted, they are sentenced to up to 180 days in jail while deportation proceedings begin.

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Survey: Latinos Have Sharp Internal Differences Over Immigration

Rosendo Majano

Hispanic residents of the United States are sharply divided over what to do about the influx of undocumented immigrants, an issue that is shaping up as a key one prior to November's mid-term elections, a new survey shows.

"Hispanic registered voters are strongly supporting initiatives to reform immigration while penalizing illegal behavior," said the head of the non-profit Latino Coaliton, Robert Deposada, at a press conference where he discussed the results of the 2005 National Latino Survey released on Thursday.

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City's Border Push Sparks Outcry

Immigration activists sound off at a Costa Mesa council meeting on a decision to train police to screen arrestees for possible deportation.
By Jean O. Pasco, Times Staff Writer

Activists clashed in Costa Mesa on Tuesday night over the city's decision to become the nation's first authorizing its police department to enforce federal immigration laws.

A 3-2 vote last month to train police officers to work with federal immigration officials and sheriff's deputies to determine the immigration status of suspects arrested for other crimes has made the city a battleground in the national controversy over immigration policy.