Zero Tolerance for Illegal Mexican Border Entries

[Blanco]

Border Patrol
has Implemented Zero Tolerance
for Illegal Mexican Border Entries


Beginning in January 2008, the Border Patrol will be conducting enhanced operations along the border encompassing both the Grey's Wells and Midway Campgrounds. These operations will include a heightened detection and surveillance strategy coupled with an immediate response protocol to intercept all illegal cross border traffic. We will implement a zero tolerance for illegal cross border entries. It is and will remain the responsibility of the recreationists to know and abide by the law. Recreationists who accidentally illegally cross the border are subject to the zero tolerance.

Entry into the United States must be via a Port of Entry. Any individual who effects an illegal entry is subject to arrest and/or fine. Vehicles and personal property are subject to seizure.

Please read the following letter to fully understand the Border Patrol enhanced operations along the border encompassing both Grey's Well, Buttercup and Midway Campgrounds.

[Blanco]

December 18, 2007
President Bob Mason American Sand Association 3113 North 52nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85018
Mr. Mason,




1111 North Imperial Avenue El Centro, CA 92243
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Let me begin by expressing our gratitude and appreciation for the support and confidence that the American Sand Association has extended to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol, particularly the EI Centro and Yuma Sectors who patrol the Imperial Sand Dune Recreational Area. We, as public servants, can only maximize our success with the cooperation and assistance of our community. Respectfully, we now call upon you and the members of the American Sand Association for assistance as we work to eradicate the criminality of cross border activity in this area and negate the possibility of terrorist infiltration into the United States.
Beginning in January 2008, the Border Patrol will be conducting enhanced operations along the border encompassing both the Grey's Wells and Midway Campgrounds. Our intent is to gain operational control over this area, which has long been a dangerous, highly trafficked corridor by alien and narcotic smugglers. Last year, over 33,000 pounds of narcotics was seized and 2,137 aliens apprehended in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area alone.
These operations will include a heightened detection and surveillance strategy coupled with an immediate response protocol to intercept all illegal cross border traffic. We will implement a zero tolerance for illegal cross border entries. It is and will remain the responsibility of the recreationists to know and abide by the law. Recreationists who accidentally illegally cross the border are subject to the zero tolerance.
Any individual who affects an illegal entry into the United States is subject to arrest and/or fine. CBP requires that all individuals report to a CBP Port of Entry when returning to the United States. CBP's border search authority is derived through Title 19 Section 1581, which provides that all persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in the United States are subject to inspection. Failure to report to a port of entry could result in a fine and/or seizure of your conveyance. CBP's seizure authority is derived through Title 19 Section 1595a.
If you enter Mexican territory during your visit to the Imperial Sand Dunes, you must make proper re-entry at a U.S. Port of Entry.
There are future plans to construct a permanent anti-vehicle fence clearly defining the border, however; in the short term to avoid any confusion the border will be marked with temporary

[Blanco]

paddle markers and pre-existing border monuments. These paddle markers are similar to those used by the Bureau of Land Management as trail markers. Please see the attached photograph.

In short, strict adherence to the law regarding the entry into the United States, by United States citizens or otherwise, must be observed. Securing this area by eliminating the illegal activity is critical to protecting our homeland. I hope to work together and reduce any misinformation or confusion regarding this matter in the present and future as our collaborative efforts will undoubtedly yield a successful resolution to the challenges we now face.

Again, please assist the El Centro and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors by disseminating the aforementioned information regarding our intentions to strictly enforce the law as it applies to illegal border entry to your members. It is our sincere desire to inform and educate all those who camp and recreate in the Imperial Sand Dunes so that vacationers can enjoy the dunes in partnership with our efforts to enforce the laws and remove the criminal threat.

As a result of yoUr valued assistance and commitment to the security of our great nation, our combined efforts will prove yet again that we can accomplish as a team our shared goal of improving the quality of life in our community.

Respectfull y,
Yoms ~ ~A.
~>-t

]..@Hrey L,! Acting Chief Patrol Agent
CBP Border Patrol, El Centro Sector

aul'l:3"eeson Chief Patrol Agent
CBP Border Patrol, Yuma Sector

2

[roaringrory]

One time my husband and I with a friend and his son went riding along the boarder. My friend was riding his buggy and wanted to show his son. So he rode around in a circle and said look were in the U.S now we are in Mexico, were in U.S now were in Mexico. He did that 3 times. Two minutes later we were surrounded by the border patrol and a helicopter was flying over head. He told them he just wanted to show his son. They were really nice and left. We never did that again.

[Blanco]

within two minutes! :eek:

How long ago was that?

[roaringrory]

That happened about 4 years ago. They just showed up out of no where. It happened really fast. I said that they must of been hiding behind some rocks watching us. We told are friend that just cost them alot of money with the helicopter.

[Blanco]

Might of been a chance thing that they were that close at the time.
But its nice to think their really on top of things & watching our interest though. :)

[Yellowhobie]

Saw this thread and just couldnt resist. Some areas of Texas have the trail roads covered with seismic detectors. They can tell a route a vehicle is taking and the speed its traveling. Got to look at and visit with a customs blackhawk and crew. You wouldnt believe the distance they can see you at with various electronics. You probably wont see or hear the helicopter. Or how about the squads of various military on loan and training hiding about watching and reporting (Padre Island National Seashore and the shooting incident a few years ago here in Texas around Redford I think it was). Whenever I stop and get out to take a leak, I always wave.

[straightaxle]

They are also starting to use unmanned aircraft heavily. They can fly for hours at high altitude where you really can't hear them or see them, and they carry all kinds of high tech detection equipment.

[wiley-moeracing]

Finally we are starting to see something getting done to protect our boarders!! hot damn!! When we were at buttercup for thanksgiving it looked like an army with all the cbp guys there.

[Yellowhobie]

You're right about the increased used of drones. Here, between Del Rio and Marathon, in Terrell County I think it is, the Customs and Border Patrol are putting in a large drone aircraft setup.