Border Patrol: Checkpoints are necessary, not intimidating
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wash. -- Hundreds of people, some of whom say they've been interrogated and treated like criminals by U.S. Border Patrol agents, came together on Monday to confront authorities.
Four agents used to keep an eye on the peninsula. Now, there are more than 20 doing the job, and some say that's intimidating. The critics say border patrol officers violate their rights. They want to know why and they want it to stop.
"It's very intimidating to a lot of people," said Candice Cosler. "They set up checkpoints and forts, and people were stopped three times a day.
Border Patrol agents say expanded operations on the peninsula are part of a federal mandate to secure the northern border. That includes nabbing illegal immigrants, catching drug smugglers and protecting the country against terrorism.
For these purposes, said Chief Border Patrol Officer John Bates, the checkpoints are necessary.
"Unfortunately there are people that are utilizing the border in both ways - going into Canada and going into the United States - to make crime," he said.
Border patrol has made 90 arrests since they established checkpoints on several roads and ferry runs since the beginning of the year. Most of those arrested were illegal immigrants.
Bates said legal travelers should not be intimidated but instead try to be a little more patient with what has proven to be an effective program.
"They're only going to be stopped for a short moment, and we're going to release them and they'll be on their way," he said.
Border patrol agents say they don't conduct random checks and if they question someone, it's because they have reasonable suspicion.
Four agents used to keep an eye on the peninsula. Now, there are more than 20 doing the job, and some say that's intimidating. The critics say border patrol officers violate their rights. They want to know why and they want it to stop.
"It's very intimidating to a lot of people," said Candice Cosler. "They set up checkpoints and forts, and people were stopped three times a day.
Border Patrol agents say expanded operations on the peninsula are part of a federal mandate to secure the northern border. That includes nabbing illegal immigrants, catching drug smugglers and protecting the country against terrorism.
For these purposes, said Chief Border Patrol Officer John Bates, the checkpoints are necessary.
"Unfortunately there are people that are utilizing the border in both ways - going into Canada and going into the United States - to make crime," he said.
Border patrol has made 90 arrests since they established checkpoints on several roads and ferry runs since the beginning of the year. Most of those arrested were illegal immigrants.
Bates said legal travelers should not be intimidated but instead try to be a little more patient with what has proven to be an effective program.
"They're only going to be stopped for a short moment, and we're going to release them and they'll be on their way," he said.
Border patrol agents say they don't conduct random checks and if they question someone, it's because they have reasonable suspicion.