Sunday, December 22, 2024

Despite Low Funding, Arizona Forges Ahead with New Fence on Mexico Border


Arizona’s border security advisory committee has plans to begin construction on a fence bordering the state and Mexico, despite only raising 10% of the $2.8 million needed to complete the project.

Construction may begin at the end of the year with support from private fencing companies, donated supplies, and prison inmate labor. Supporters such as Representative David Dreiser repeatedly link the fence to the prevention of terrorism, contrary to statistics from Customs and Border Protection’s most recent year-end report, which shows a drastic decrease in border crossings.

“The fact of the matter is we have no choice,” says Dreiser. “We face the threat of someone who would like to do us in coming across the border.”

As previously reported on La Plaza, though stricter border control may lead to fewer arrests, it may also lead to a drop on U.S. labor and economy. But with the committee having submitted its first and only report to the governor in November 2011, Jones and others are looking to revise details, including monthly reports.

“We need those individuals to continue to grow our economy,” said Republican Governor Rick Perry. “We know how to deal with border security, and you don’t do it by building a fence.”

Huffington Post
Politico