Obviously, although there are probably lots of folks who would disagree, some local people think that all of that manpower running around here in expensive vehicles is a waste of taxpayer s money. However, I m sure that was not the point of Hinojosa s remarks or mine. There happens to be an enormous difference between Border Patrol Agents and Immigration Inspectors, for the enlightenment of Mr. Hinojosa and Mr. Cascos. The Border Patrol, is the mobile, uniformed enforcement arm of the of the Immigration and Naturalization Service has, as its mission, the detection and prevention of the smuggling and illegal entry of aliens into the United States. Inspectors are personnel assigned to the Ports of Entry, or you might call them bridges.
Immigration inspectors are in charge of inspecting and admitting people into the United States.
As you can see, there is a very distinct difference in mission. So Mr. Cascos and Mr. Hinojosa that is the principle reason Border Patrol Agents can not change shirts and staff a Port of Entry. Our record speaks for itself. Perhaps if you visit the Border Patrol Station and read some of our apprehension reports, you will have a rude awakening. Some county officials speculate whether the revenue would have been higher if Federal officials had extended the hours of operation at the Veterans International Bridge Port of Entry.