Cameras on U.S.-Mexico Border are Not Proving as Effective to Curb Illegal Immigration

Countless proposals have been made at both the state and federal level in the past couple of years to address the problem of illegal immigration. Some politicians want to build a fence across our entire southern border.  Yet other politicians advocate the idea of punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. For obvious reasons, there is no state whose residents are more adamant about finding solutions than the state of Texas.

Last year, Texas Governor Rick Perry decided to harness the vigilante spirit that exists among some Texans and install video cameras along the southern border that could be monitored by watching camera feeds on a home computer. Unfortunately, it appears that our observation efforts have fallen quite short of expectations.

The State of Texas received a $2 million federal grant to install surveillance cameras along the U.S.-Mexico border, with objectives for the program being set by the Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition. An investigation into the program was recently published, and the results are far from impressive. While the coalition hoped to make 1200 arrests in its first year as a result of citizen tips, there have only been three arrests in the first six months. They planned to install 200 cameras, which would constitute one camera for every six miles of border, but so far only thirteen cameras are up and operational, leaving 80 miles of border between each camera. With these numbers as evidence, the case that federal funds are being used effectively is a difficult one to make.

Despite these initial disappointments, Governor Perry remains committed to the program. As his spokeswoman, Katherine Cesinger, stated, he sees the camera as a way of “utilizing technology so you don’t have to pay for an extra set of eyes.” Opponents argue that Gov. Perry is simply trying to win favor with conservatives who have strong feelings about illegal immigration and needs to admit that the program has little to no effect on real border security.

At Bertolino LLP, we know that immigration law is a hot topic in Texas and we have San Antonio immigration attorneys who specialize in this controversial area of immigration law. We also have Austin immigration lawyers and Houston immigration attorneys who can assist.  If you are facing charges of being in this country illegally (i.e., removal proceedings or deportation proceedings), or if you need help completing the paperwork that confirms your legal status, our immigration lawyers can help. Please contact our Austin, Houston, or San Antonio office to discuss your situation. http://www.belolaw.com

About the Author

Tony R. Bertolino is the managing partner at Bertolino LLP with law offices located in Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Texas. A member of the Trial and Appellate Litigation Team, Mr. Bertolino’s practice is devoted largely to complex transactions, commercial litigation, business law, entertainment law and family law matters. You can read more about Mr. Bertolino at http://www.belolaw.com

Hummer H3T Point of View offroading with hoyttech MSR-200 camera

Cuisinart CSB-76 SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender The versatile stick design of the Cuisinart Smart stick Hand Blender lets users blend ingredients right in pots, pitchers, bowls, or clear plastic beaker that’s included. A powerful 200-watt motor operates with an easy one-touch control. Blends drinks, purees soup, mixes pancake and crepe batters in seconds! Both stainless steel blending shaft and beaker are dishwasher-safe….

Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler $185.00 The Cuisinart(tm) Griddler makes “multifunctional” an understatement! Make perfect panini… plus! With four separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. It helps you prepare more servings of more kinds of food in less time, so you can cook for a crowd — no one has to wait!Simply change the cooking plates and adju…

Cuisinart CSB-77 Smart Stick Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopper Attachments $45.00 Grab this amazingly versatile kitchen tool and the power to mix, whisk and chop will be in the palm of your hand. Housed in handsome brushed stainless steel, this compact hand blender features a powerful 200-watt motor and three separate attachments that quickly and easily create smooth soups, whipped creams, purees and much more. Simple one-handed operation with push-button control and an ergonom…

Sounds of Excellence: 200 Greatest Classics, Vol. 7 $2.98 …

A Tutto Beat $29.61 Vintage and modern Italian cinematic shake, jazzy lounge, sitar-beat, hammond a go-go, flute loops tracks selected for your Cinedelic party with: Luis Bacalov/ Rocky Roberts- Ennio Morricone- Piero Piccioni- Fred Bongusto- Piero Umiliani,Alessandroni, Trovajoli, Pisano, Piccioni, Morricone, Orlandi, Chaumont, Ortolani, Bongusto, and Nascimbene. Themes taken from the following films: “La Terrifican…

Sounds of Excellence: 200 Greatest Classics [Box Set] $6.98 Carl Maria von Weber (Composer), Luigi Boccherini (Composer), Johann I [Senior] Strauss (Composer), George Gershwin (Composer), Jean Sibelius (Composer), Max Bruch (Composer), Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer), Johann II [Junior] Strauss (Composer), Franz Liszt (Composer), Gustav Mahler (Composer), Richard [Classical] Wagner (Composer), Antonio Vivaldi (Composer), Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky (Composer),…

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F01T Tactical Tomahawk, Black $62.00 The original Vietnam Tomahawk, SOG’s F01T-N Tactical Tomahawk is the latest incarnation of one of history’s most unusual weapons. This versatile piece of equipment handles a number of tasks including excavation, operations breaching, obstacle removal, and extraction, which makes the F01T-N an ideal tool for military and service personnel..caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif…

Belkin 8 Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Telephone Protection $31.99 Perfect for protecting your workstation Conntected Equipment Warranty: 200000. Joules: 3390. Watts: 1875. Voltage Amps (VA): 15A. Phone, Fax, Modem Protection: Yes. Cord Length: 6 ft.. Cable Line Protection: Yes. Number of Outlets: 8….

Leatherman 934810 Leatherman Wave Nylon Sheath $6.49 Leatherman Wave Nylon Sheath…

Insects $1.99 …