Sequester Cuts Could Have Significant Effect On West Texas Border Security
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: February 28, 2013
PRESIDIO -- Sequester cuts could have a major impact on West Texas border protection.
The Big Bend Sentinel reports that with the sequester in effect, funding to both the Big Bend Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Customs and Border Protection in West Texas -- including at the Presidio Port of Entry -- would most likely be reduced.
While spokespeople for both U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection couldn't confirm that any cuts were headed to the West Texas portions of those agencies, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has stated that the federal funding cuts would force furloughs of up to 2 weeks for front line law enforcement agents nationwide.
Napolitano also said that sequestration will roll back border security, increase wait time at land, sea and airports and leave infrastructure more vulnerable to attacks.
The White House has said that federal funding cuts would require U.S. Border Patrol officials to cut hours for 5,000 agents nationwide.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials would have to cut hours for 2,750 officers.
The Big Bend Sentinel reports that with the sequester in effect, funding to both the Big Bend Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Customs and Border Protection in West Texas -- including at the Presidio Port of Entry -- would most likely be reduced.
While spokespeople for both U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection couldn't confirm that any cuts were headed to the West Texas portions of those agencies, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has stated that the federal funding cuts would force furloughs of up to 2 weeks for front line law enforcement agents nationwide.
Napolitano also said that sequestration will roll back border security, increase wait time at land, sea and airports and leave infrastructure more vulnerable to attacks.
The White House has said that federal funding cuts would require U.S. Border Patrol officials to cut hours for 5,000 agents nationwide.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials would have to cut hours for 2,750 officers.
