Feds prepare to sue landowners over border fence access

The Associated Press

Published: 01.09.2008

WASHINGTON — The federal government is preparing to go to court to force dozens of property owners in the southwestern U.S. to give it access to their land for possible construction on it of a U.S.-Mexico border fence.

The government is readying 102 cases to gain entry to lands along the border owned by private individuals, local governments and others. A deadline for many of the owners to grant entry passed Monday or should expire in a matter of days.

Of the total cases, 71 are against Texas landowners, 20 against Californians and 11 against Arizona landowners. No cases are expected against New Mexico landowners.

The Homeland Security Department wants to build 370 miles of fencing and 300 miles of vehicle barriers by the end of the year. It says some of the properties may not be needed, but it needs to assess which ones it may need to purchase or seize through eminent domain for the fence or other barriers.

In a news conference Dec. 7, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff made clear there's a limit to how long he'll wait.