The influx of illegal immigrants is hurting the town and its residents. Trespassers destroy pasture fences and kill valuable cattle, leaving rotting corpses for ranchers. They also crack water pipes and open tank valves, spilling thousands of gallons of water. Afterward, they leave behind a path of destruction, strewn with trash, excrement, and drug paraphernalia. Border Patrol agents are begging for additional resources.
Residents fear for their safety.
Although INS promised the Tucson sector an additional 350 agents this year, the sector is likely to receive fewer than 150. Douglas Mayor Ray Borane has asked Attorney General Janet Reno to deputize local police to help.