Valley lawmakers react to potential boost to border security

PHOENIX - It’s now up to Congress to decide whether the southwest will get a $600 million boost in federal funding for security, after President Obama asked for emergency funding.

The money would pay for more Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators and Predator Drones.

“The border is as secure now as it's ever been, but we know we can always do more, and that will always be the case,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. “It's a big border.”

The Obama Administration says the number of Border Patrol agents has nearly doubled and the number of ICE intelligence agents has tripled along the border since 2004.

Senator Jon Kyl, who has been outspoken about Arizona’s need for federal resources, issued a written response to the initiative, saying:

“Naturally we welcome all efforts to deal with illegal immigration, but I find it curious that it’s been almost a month since President Obama announced his deployment of 1,200 National Guard troops, yet not a single Guardsman has been deployed. I find it also curious that the Obama Administration is announcing its intent to ‘work’ with state and local law enforcement, while at the same time suing Arizona over its effort to enforce immigration laws.”

John McCain’s communication director, Brooke Buchanan also issued a statement, saying:

“With this announcement, it appears that the Obama Administration has finally realized that the border is not ‘secure’ as some Administration officials have stated. The programs being proposed are a good start, but represent only a fraction of what is needed to secure the border. Hopefully, this plan is an indication that the Administration is finally beginning to listen to the concerns of those living in southern Arizona and this will lead to real action – not the continued dismissal of people living in the border region, which deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection recently dubbed to be a ‘third country.’ Arizonans deserve to feel safe in their homes and businesses from the violence occurring in Mexico, and it is the Federal government’s responsibility to provide this security.”

In Phoenix, there was a mix of hope and frustration regarding the move.

“I don’t really know if it’s enough,” said Pam Petersen, who lives in the Valley. “I guess he has to try something.”

“Our borders will be a little more safe,” said Sam Lincoln. “Maybe we can actually stop a little bit more of the drug cartel that’s coming up, and maybe more of the drop houses.”

The money would come in addition to the $500 million and 1,200 National Guardsman the Administration promised earlier this month.