Thoughts on the illegal immigration from the southern borders?

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:17:01 -0400

Should the government utilize military assets to patrol the Mexican border? What should we do with the influx of children coming across the border illegally?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 16 at 2014 9:38 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:38:10 -0400

Children tug at my heart strings, but I do believe they should be sent back and quick. I feel we cannot set the example of giving a pass and allowing the trafficking.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 9:38 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:38:46 -0400

Our own policies seem to be the cause of this problem. Policy states (passed by GW Bush in 2008) that unaccompanied children from South America arriving in the US will be given immediate citizenship hearings. So, kids are being sent over the border to escape the war zone that is currently down there.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jul 16 at 2014 10:06 AM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:06:15 -0400

Turn the children around, and put a boot in their backs. We have children who are not eaiting, we have children with medical, and educational needs. If our economy can not support its own people, how dare we believe we can support the influx of abandoned children at our door steps. Those children will leech from our systems until they are of age, and the return on investment will not justify our involvment. I would much rather see home fixed first.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 16 at 2014 11:20 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:20:25 -0400

This is a law enforcement issue and it is not appropriate to use the military (beyond surveillence assets). Now, if you want us to turn the southern border into a DMZ and issue shoot to kill ROE on anyone crossing the demarcation line, that IS something that the military can do.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 4:44 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 16:44:09 -0400

Well.....tough issue...no easy answer.

First of all, I grew up in the type of country that many of these children apparently had to cross. Spent many a month on horseback working the fences of the ranch. I'll never be able to put into words how rough it is - but those of us that have actually been in the desert of Iraq and the stone pile they call the 'stan' know how rough it can be. Admittedly, those of us that had to hump the gear carried a lot of weight - but we are grown men, most in excellent health and generally well trained and acclimated.

These children have lived some of the same dangers many of us have recently. Sometimes, but not always, humping just like we did. It's a long way from south or central america to the borders of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California - and if you've been in those areas (San Diego don't count) you know that it's rough country.

We cannot, as humans, simply turn these children away with a boot in their back and a warning to never return. First of all, it's not the right thing to do. While some (or many) of them may well be gang members - we have to seek out the few that are NOT gang members but are simply trying to find a better way to live. The entire premise of our nation is built on the ideal that we accept anyone who is endangered in their home country.

Trust me, I don't like the entire scenario. But to take a child of 8 years of age and to treat them inhumanely - what kind of legacy does that leave us? Is that how you want your grandchildren to see our country?

Response by SFC James Barnes made Jul 16 at 2014 5:29 PM

SFC James Barnes — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:29:17 -0400

I agree with most of the comments so far of sending them back. There is a legal way to become a citizen of the us and sneaking across the border wasn't one of the ways . I know my Mexican buddy gets pissed when he hears about stuff like this cause he went through the process and feels it's wrong that they are just circumventing the system.

Response by COL Eric Holmes made Jul 16 at 2014 7:57 PM

COL Eric Holmes — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:57:33 -0400

Great question. I think the whole crisis was created to force the good citizens to feel obligated to accept them for humanitarian reasons. We've been had by a group of people who are using these as pawns to achieve their objective. They are gambling that we can't say no. Then our sovereignty is breeched, the borders are flooded and the end is accelerated. The people leading this charge are using our kindness to allow us to commit national suicide. The way out is to stop it at the border and turn all back, or give them a ride back to their homes.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 16 at 2014 11:17 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:17:54 -0400

Give them Due Process and in such a way that we don't embarass ourselves Politically Internationally. Some folks behaviour in response to this is downright disgusting. I was working earlier today with one of my fellow Liberal Blogers to put some pressure on Cinabon after one their Store Managers on an on-line Forum recommended "Gassing them like the Germans Did".

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 16 at 2014 11:43 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:43:49 -0400

Unfortunately our current law states that undocumented children must go through a judicial process before anything can be done either way. So we're stuck with housing, feeding, schooling, and clothing them in addition to the medical screening and treatment for diseases and ailments they may have. My take on it is this; any and all moneys we spend on these children should be deducted from whatever foreign aid funds that are earmarked for the childs country of origin. This would also include transportation back to their home after the process is concluded. If the child is to be allowed to stay, their resettlement costs should also be deducted from the same source.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Jul 17 at 2014 6:30 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 06:30:11 -0400

This is a humanitarian issue... potential crisis. We can do things the way our legal system is set up to do, or we could do the right thing.

Best way to handle it is to take in the children and try to find their parents in whichever country they came from. If possible, return them home to their parents or give them asylum if that is what they are seeking. If that doesn't work, bring them into the foster system in the state that takes them in. What else can you really do? They are children for crying out loud! Hell, I would adopt a couple of them given the opportunity.

When it's adults, it's one thing. Children are a whole different matter. They need protection and care. Anyone who says otherwise is coming from a position quite contrary to a humanist view.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 9:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 09:09:39 -0400

I agree with the many responses that this is not a yes or no answer. This is a humanitarian crisis. First of all, what are some of the precedents?...This great nation is know for its 'humanness' and humanitarian support. Since the 1960s, this nation has sent thousands of young men and women to serve as ambassadors in some of the remotest parts of the world by the Peace Corps. The young people service those communities and public health, education/literacy among others. To many of those beneficiary communities, the ONLY face of America they see is the kindness that these young people show to them.

Fast forward...the United States as a member of the United Nations has pumped billions of dollars through the government and individual generous contributions to the UN Refugee Commission.

Again, there are provisions in the immigration laws that grant asylum to many thousand immigrants in any particular year....these are the precedents I can recall...

Now, the issue at hand....we are talking about young innocent kids some of whom has no idea what their parents and families have pushed them into. Ofcourse, adults who gets here illegally must be dealt with according to the tenets of the immigration laws.

Concerning these kids however, I suggest the many billionaires and their foundations team up with the government and help them the best way they can. If they have not been diagnosed to be carrying any dangerous diseases...as many fears might happen, then I don't see why this great nation cannot help these kids. This is a very generous nation. If you have kids, try to see it through your kids' eyes. This is a humanitarian crisis and not just a political one. Unfortunately, the political twist had taken over the argument thereby clouding helping hand that the nation can lend.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Jul 17 at 2014 11:31 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:31:32 -0400

Yes, I firmly believe utilizing military assets to secure our borders is necessary. This is more than just an illegal immigration problem; it's a national security problem as well. If illegal immigrants are able to cross our borders, so are those elements who wish to do this nation harm. There have been members belonging to terrorist organizations who have been caught crossing our borders illegally. There is no telling how many have made it across undetected.

Response by SMSgt Alan Saunders made Jul 17 at 2014 11:46 AM

SMSgt Alan Saunders — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:46:36 -0400

Patrolling our borders is a law enforcement issue - not a military issue. If the people attempting to cross were armed with intent to harm, steal or kill - then the military should be called in. Keeping illegal immigrants from crossing the border should be left to those properly trained to perform that mission.

There are far too many ways to legally enter this country - that is why we have immigration laws. I firmly believe ALL people who enter this country illegally should be sent back to where they came from. As soon as we grant amnesty to some - every one will want amnesty and the flood of people across the border will be staggering.

Response by SGT Timothy Byrd made Jul 17 at 2014 4:29 PM

SGT Timothy Byrd — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:29:32 -0400

Well since the Military has already been utilized to assist with securing the border I don't see why it shouldn't be made a military action. The people illegally entering into the United States have robbed & attacked farmers along the area that they use to cross into our country. Also feel that if we get rid of the Career politicians & actually check into what politicians running for office stand for than we could turn this country around. We as a country need to follow suit with other countries as to how illegals are treated if caught in that country illegally.

Response by CPO Raymond Axe made Jul 17 at 2014 6:36 PM

CPO Raymond Axe — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:36:16 -0400

I think that we need to finish building a STRONG border fence, then put armed troops behind it with orders to shoot to kill. Every illegal alien that is here should be rounded up and deported.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 17 at 2014 9:31 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 21:31:28 -0400

Yes, we need a strong border.

Having said that, my thoughts go two ways on the current crisis.. My first impulse is send everyone home as fast as possible. Who cares if they are children, it is just another rush on our border by yet another group of Illegal Aliens. Just get them back to their home countries as fast as possible. They are NOT the problem of American Taxpayers and should not be here.

Then I stop and think! These people ARE children! Why would anyone sent their children on a journey where they might die unless they want the children to live a better life than where they are? As a result if the Drug War, these innocent victims have been sent to a place of safety and freedom, something they do not have at home. Are they so different than the Pilgrims? The waves of refugees from Greece, Ireland, Germany, Poland, etc. who came seeking freedom?

What would you do if your children were forced to work for drug lords as mules, dealers, runners, recruiters, informants, etc. If the police and government forces were just as evil as those the were supposed to be protecting you from. If you could not escape, but your children had a chance, however slim. Could you do what these parents are doing?

I do not pretend to have the answers to this crisis, but neither do our lawmakers. We can point fingers and nash our teeth, but in the meanwhile the Children languish in an American Prison somewhere where their hopes of freedom led them. What is the solution, I do not know.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Jul 18 at 2014 11:37 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 11:37:04 -0400

It is clear that the President has created this nightmare to further his socialist agenda. He knows the current situation in Congress will never come to an agreement on immigration. Simply put, while this was already happening before Obama, it was at a rate that could have been absorbed by our country with little to no ill effect. However, under Obama, we've seen border crossings increase 100 fold. His orders to the Federal LEO's to turn the other way when they come across have left ICE and our Border Agents in a delima. They can't do the job they were hired to do because the President, and the Attorney General have given them contradicting orders. Imagine their frustrations. You've lived it in the Military. Everytime a new commander took command they changed stuff, some for the good, some for the bad. I know this, the miltiary today is not the same military it was 20 years ago. I would never serve a career under todays leadership, and we had some pretty bad leaders in my time, but nothing compared to this last 6 years.

But to answer the primary question, no the active military should not be part of the fix. That's not their charter. However, the States' National Guard can and should be used. I'm old school. I earned my first Humanitary Service Award while supporting "Operation Babylift" in 1975 (and not all of them were babies). I was part of the security detail stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. That was a controlled operation and the babies were medially screened, and were adopted and spread out across the country. However, in this current situation, these kids are not receiving medical care, there are 10's of thousands already here, and they are a drain on our resources. They are not being assimilated into our homes.

Send them back, secure our borders, make proper use of our LEO's and State National Guard. Having a tough immigration policy isn't a bad thing, as a matter of fact every country I know of treats illegals a whole lot worse than just sending them back across the border. If you want to come to the US, do it the right way. Just wanting to come isn't good enough. What do you offer to become a US citizen? Are you going to be just another welfare case or are you going to contribute to the good of the country? Those are the questions that need to be answered.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 18 at 2014 4:55 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 16:55:47 -0400

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"

These countries like our own seem to push off their domestic problems. Unfortunately they push them onto us, while we don't reciprocate. Our own government is quagmired in "studies" and "investigations" and its own partisan political bullsh!t and can't, won't and basically refuses to fix the basic poverty and human rights problems that already exist within our own borders yet we squeeze every resource out of our own citizens to deal with this immigration explosion. $1.8 billion with a B is what they want for caring for these people. These other country has solved their poverty problems - let them go to the US to be cared for. Next we'll grant them all visas and they'll settle into their jobs and send the majority of that money back home so that even more immigration can happen, legal or otherwise Our "federales" are burdening the states while they are paying for busses, motels, hotels, and now they want them housed on our military bases. WTF - we need an executive order wrapped in a FEMA disaster to do that our own people, and its only done if someone if profiteering off it!

Here's my solution with a little flair and pizazz:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z54-QHEZN6E

Return to Sender- Elvis Presley

1962 Elvis Presley :) Return to sender, return to sender I gave a letter to the post man, he put it his sack. Bright and early next morning, he brought my le...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 21 at 2014 8:45 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:45:27 -0400

What part of the word "illegal" are our politicians having an issue with? What part of the word "illegal" do those who are already here illegally, feel gives them a leg to stand on when they protest their deportation? This current surge may or may not be a prelude to some kind of follow on violence but it is one hell of a distraction. If you are not a citizen, are not holding a visa and have made no effort to become legalized then our government should be sending these folks back to where they came from, instead they are coddling them while turning a blind eye to our own internal domestic problems.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 11:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:24:23 -0400

A nation without borders is not a nation at all. This is not a law enforcement problem, this is a national sovereignty problem. These are illegal aliens entering into the United States of America improperly and illegally. We have rules, we have laws, we have regulations on how to enter into the United States legally. This is an invasion of foreign nationals which is an invasion of the sovereignty of the United States.

Governor Rick Perry is acting under the authority of the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 7: "Sec. 7. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF MILITARY FORCES; CALLING FORTH MILITIA. He shall be Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of the State, except when they are called into actual service of the United States. He shall have power to call forth the militia to execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions." He is protecting his citizens of Texas by bringing the National Guard (organized militia) to the border to protect both the State of Texas and the United States when the Federal Government isn't enforcing the law.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 22 at 2014 7:25 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:25:54 -0400

Being a native of a border state, I have lived a great deal of my life in and around this very problem.
We have always known a neighbor or two who was "Illegal" but there was rarely a problem. Those I knew just lived like we did. They went to work, they lived quietly, and when they chose, they slid back to wherever they came from, and were remembered as "Quiet, decent people" by most of us.
The thing is, in the past ten years, that's changed. The Illegals now are often running from the law, and break our laws as well... They are not the hard working, decent people everyone thinks of and remembers. Few are family units, no matter what the news reports. Those "helpless Children" that keep being reported on, are mostly teenage Gang members, who are sliding right into our country, ready to set up drug houses for the drug cartels and border gangs that have made life hell for those on either side of our border now. The media, when talking about these children, insinuate that we are racist and we hate poor innocent kids, but the truth is many of these 'kids' have been gang members since they were ten, they are covered in gang tattoos, and they calmly talk about killing people, and yet, since they are below the age of 18, our government is playing a 'catch and release' thing with them, just letting them walk right out the door, after promising to appear at some later date, which I am pretty sure, they won't.
Its not uncommon for the drug gangs, and even the Mexican Army to fire on our enforcement agents to cover drug runners, and in some circumstances, they cross the border to do so, firing at us on our own soil. Yesterday, they cut loose with a 50 cal, but I doubt that was mentioned on most of the networks.
We have found Muslim prayer rugs, notes and Korans, along the border, which I am pretty darn sure, don't belong to migrant workers, and now we are finding Indian, Chinese, and Eastern Europeans in the mix. I hope that makes you as wary and worried as it does us, because its those unseen, unknown people who can do the worst damage to us if they choose to attack from the inside.
This just isn't "Migrants" looking for better lives, people, many are bad people, wanting to get a foothold in this country, and if it doesn't scare you, then you aren't paying attention.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 22 at 2014 2:20 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:20:46 -0400

I have no issue at all with utilizing the military to assist in the protection of the border, as long as applicable ROE is authorized for the safeguarding of any and all American service members and/or law enforcement/border protection forces. Show of force to get it through the heads of those continually "shepherding" illegals across the border that this is not how it is to be. Why must we as a nation continue to pay for the illegal actions of those that can not do the right thing when it comes to trying immigrate to the US? I am not a heartless person, however just because one is looking for a better go at life here does not mean they can do it illegally. I am tired personally of my taxes being spent on illegals or being sent overseas to aid/assist nations that harbor terrorists against us or our allies. SMFH.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jul 22 at 2014 4:53 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:53:12 -0400

Well, David, it's as you say in the fourth word of your question: illegal. It may sound draconian, but no matter what the circumstances, no matter where the origin, no matter how good the intentions, none of these things makes their status as illegal aliens any less true. Full stop.

Perhaps I'm oversimplifying the matter, but I really don't see what the debate's over. Turn them around, send them back where they came, post a watch. We can't afford this nonsense.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 10:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:18:11 -0400

Send them back, their very presence here is a slap in the face to every single person who came here the right way. I don't rightly care if you had a child on US soil, you are not a citizen, and neither is your child. Send a message to Mexico declaring that anyone caught illegally crossing our border will be considered a spy and tried as such. Illegal means illegal and it is time we started treating it that way. Period, end of statement.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Jul 23 at 2014 10:26 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:26:37 -0400

We don't need any new immigration reform. What we need is to have the current immigration laws enforced. The biggest reason given why so many come across the border illegally is to escape poverty. I can understand that, but as a country we cannot afford to allow whoever wants to come here, come here. It's a strain on the entire economy.

Congress and the president also need to quit talking about granting illegals amnesty; that's only contributing to the increase of illegal border crossings. We need to effectively enforce the laws that are in place to prevent employment of illegals. Increase the penalties to those who employee illegals to $10,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment for each illegal they have employed. If the law and penalties were enforced, the majority of these employers would let them go.

Also follow the law about illegals not being eligible for welfare. Welfare employees need to start verifying citizenship and deny illegals welfare. If they can't get jobs and they can't get welfare, they will go home.

The biggest thing is to remove their desire to come here illegally. Once we start doing that, we need to start securing the border.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 5:50 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:50:01 -0400

I think utilizing military to patrol the Mexican border is acceptable so long as it is a short term solution. While CBP recruits and trains new agents the military can fill the gap. It's a pretty good idea for them to pick up as much of the personnel being let go by the military, would be beneficial to both. As far as the children who are coming illegally it is sad that this is happening but they are here and it needs to be addressed. Fist they should be picked up and treated humanely while they are sent back or placed with family. Why any parent would allow their kids to do such a thing is beyond me. The state department also needs to pressure the governments of origin to stop the influx and fix their issues at home. We cannot take on everyone's problem but since the kids are here have to deal with it. Congress should also stop with all their investigations and hearings that produce no results.

Response by MGySgt Rich Zahn made Aug 7 at 2014 10:59 PM

MGySgt Rich Zahn — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 22:59:19 -0400

Easy fix Master Chief. Even tho we instruct the Arab countries we occupy on border security, we ourselves can not execute it.. Here is my plan, helo assault or motorized infantry, USMC LAR and USA Stryker brigades use this opportunity to secure the border.. Each branch is assigned a state border with the lateral boundaries overlapping, we collapse the tunnels, create a free fire zone 1000 meters south of the border, execute any cartel members we find.. Collection camps 20 to 30 miles behind the engagement areas, we process who we believe will contribute and launch the rest back to their country of origin via LCU and land them on their own coast.. We follow the laws that are already exist which have been ignored and violated, change them the way we are supposed to change laws.. Who is on board??

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 6:44 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:44:33 -0400

This president has so many fires burning and this is by design. Throw enough Spaghetti against the wall and it a lot of it will stick.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Mar 11 at 2015 1:35 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 13:35:07 -0400

How can we take care of "illegal immigrants" when we have families, veterans and children who are homeless and starving in our own country? We can't. There is no simple answer but the Federal Government must man up and deal with this problem now. Close the borders and lets start taking care of our own first. Illegal means just that, illegal a law has been broken. Give them jail time and send them back. However I think part of the problem also lies with employers who hire illegal immigrants instead of U.S. citizens or legal workers. When I was at Ellsworth AFB ('87-'92) the Border patrol working hand in hand with local, state and other federal authorities busted several illegal's that had been hired to help build homes on base. I'm not sure how the company was able to get them on base but they did. The system has been broken for years from the very top all the way to the bottom with a few good people in there trying to stop the flood.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 3:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 15:35:36 -0400

whatever tools that we have available and send the children back home to their parents