Congress worries 27 border sheriffs

By Brady McCombs

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

The shifting political climate has border sheriffs ready to dig in their boots to keep immigration-related border problems on the minds of the Democrat-led Congress.

They hope the newly formed Southwestern Border Sheriffs' Coalition — made up of 27 border sheriffs from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas — will ensure that their voices and concerns aren't easily ignored.

"People are still crossing the border illegally, the Border Patrol still doesn't have enough resources to do their job, and we're trying to pick up the slack for them," said Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden, one of the sheriffs in Tucson on Monday and today for the coalition's second official meeting.

"Don't forget us, because we are an important part of the United States. What happens down here affects everybody in the United States," Ogden said.