Every day, an estimated 4,000 people stroll across the border between Mexico and Arizona, illegally entering the U.S. Currently, half of all illegal entry from Mexico comes through Arizona! The effect on business is significant.
Ranchers near the border spend thousands of dollars repairing the damage done every night as illegal immigrants pass through their property. Many now patrol their own property, carrying firearms to protect property and families. There have been several occasions where ranchers have been fired upon and returned fire in self-defense. It is only a matter of time before people are killed as the violence escalates. You can hardly blame ranchers for policing their property when left with no alternative.
A fundamental responsibility of our federal government is securing our borders and protecting citizens from crime. On the Arizona border, the government is doing neither.
“Tom,” who does not want his real name to be used, owns a small grocery store near the border. Theft is so rampant that he may need to close his store. “Every day, illegal immigrants come in and walk out with food and other items,” said Tom. “When I call the police and they arrest them, they are just turned over to the Border Patrol and deported with no jail time. But if local kids get busted for shoplifting, they at last get an arrest record. The illegal immigrants just keep coming back, again and again.”
Tom goes on, “One guy pulled a knife on me and I drew my pistol and held him for the sheriff deputy. Rather than going to jail, he was back in Mexico free the next day.”
Our federal government needs to take actions that will start protecting businesses near the border.
? First, a no-amnesty policy should be clearly stated (“If you break into the country, you will not receive future amnesty.”).
? Second, those who commit crimes, even “minor” crimes like shoplifting or destruction of property, should be arrested, tried, and treated as any other lawbreaker … NOT receive a free get out of jail by returning to Mexico instead.
? Third, documents, like a driver’s license, should not be issued to people without documentation. And if they have a criminal record, they should not receive a driver’s license at all!
? Fourth, when illegal immigrants are stopped for traffic violations and are found to be undocumented, they should be deported rather than simply released.
Unfortunately, if the government will not act, more private citizens will feel compelled to act. Loss of life and loss of business are inevitable.
