Homeland Security chief applauds progress on Yuma fence

BY JEFFREY GAUTREAUX, SUN STAFF WRITER

February 20, 2007 - 7:45PM

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Secretary Michael Chertoff addresses the media Tuesday along the primary border fence near San Luis, Ariz. Chertoff said advances in infrastructure and the presence of the National Guard have improved border security.

Top Homeland Security official Michael Chertoff announced in Yuma on Tuesday that increases in Border Patrol agents in the summer will halt due to progress in constructing infrastructure along the border.

Chertoff said the federal Arizona Border Control Initiative, which started in 2004 to put more boots on the ground in an attempt to curb illegal entry and immigrant deaths, won't be necessary in 2008. The Department of Homeland Security secretary made the statement during a border tour with senators and congressmen from across the country and Yuma sector Border Patrol agents.

"We will no longer need to surge in this particular sector because we will have the problem under permanent control. And that's something that's going to mean a lot to the men and women who serve out here as well as to the communities along the border who have to live with illegal migration," he said.

Chertoff Set to Visit San Luis Border