SE Arizona News

Make no mistake: border security is not a political issue and should be treated as a matter of national security. The brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol risk their lives to keep our country safe. These agents, mothers, and fathers, are proud to go work every day to secure our homeland. Our Commander-in-Chief is going above and beyond to defend America from real, legitimate threats.

The U.S.-Mexico border is a vast stretch of terrain that spans water, mountains, desert, and requires constant vigilance. The work done along this line protects families near and far. A drug and weapon seizure in Laredo or San Diego keep residents safe just as much as it does a family of four in the quiet suburban towns of Connecticut and Nebraska.  

Drug cartels and violent gangs do not care if they harm people in red states or blue states, destroy the lives of men and women, and will terrorize both children and adults. 

As proven during his dominant debate performance on Tuesday, President Trump understands the dangers of these gangs and is laser-focused on ending their wrath in our communities. He has always been receptive to our feedback and enters the room with the approach of what he can do for us. The priorities of this administration have ensured that we have the resources and training required to perform our duties. 

Despite any type of narrative you may hear, over 50 percent of the Border Patrol is Latino; in fact, Latino enrollment increased following the November election. Our call to duty is entwined by a deep sense of patriotism; a commitment to defending the values of liberty and freedom that have paid dividends in the Latino community. Border Patrol agents are comprised of first-generation Americans, immigrants, and those who have been here for generations. 

Lately, our work has zeroed in on the humanitarian crisis at our border. Scores of human rights violations are carried out by transnational criminal organizations throughout the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. 

The underground system of human trafficking leads to child abuse, sexual abuse, violence, and drug smuggling. Year to date, I can proudly announce that we’ve seized over a million pounds of drugs at the border and have arrested for human rights violations. 

Our work has spanned across administrations and throughout the dynamic power struggle that encompasses Washington, D.C. Over the past four years, there has been a seismic shift under President Trump. We are proud to serve alongside a Commander-in-Chief that listens and prioritizes a mission that largely goes unnoticed.

– Art del Cueto is the Vice President for the National Border Patrol Council. Art joined the Border US Patrol in 2003. Prior to joining the patrol, Art worked for a high custody level prison for the state of Arizona. Art grew up in Douglas, Arizona along the US/Mexico border.