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Deployment Analysis
Location: East of Columbus, New Mexico – One half mile east of COL POE and
continuing east 2.56 miles.
Key Issues/Constraints:
• The I-1A project begins half a mile east of the Columbus, New Mexico Port of
Entry and runs 2.56 miles east.
• The Columbus Port of Entry links the towns of Columbus, New Mexico and Las
Palomas, Chihuahua. It is the only 24 hour Port of Entry in New Mexico.
• The town of Las Palomas has historically been the foremost staging area in the
central Chihuahua region. The town has a standing population of about 5,000 and
provides the only commercial infrastructure in the 180 miles between Ciudad
Juarez, Chihuahua and Agua Prieta, Sonora.
• Immigrants travel from all areas of Mexico to the town of Las Palmas to facilitate
their illegal entry into the United States. (b) (7)(E) Formatted: Highlight
• As neighboring segments of the U.S. Border come under higher levels of control,
the potential for the rampant cross-border traffic of previous years remains a
threat.
Alternatives Analysis:
• Baseline - (b) (7)(E) Formatted: Highlight
• Sensors – Standard ground sensors are currently being utilized on the most
frequented routes of travel. (b) (7)(E) Formatted: Highlight
Much of the project area is very flat open desert. (b) (7)(E) Formatted: Highlight
(b) (7)(E)
• Border Patrol Agent – Border Patrol Agents are capable of detecting entries,
identifying and classifying the threat and responding to intrusions, but can be
overwhelmed by the number of vehicles and pedestrian entries they are
challenged with.
(b) (7)(E)
o The Sector Chief anticipates the deployment of the additional 360 agents,
combined with the current baseline deployment, will enhance detection,
identification, classification and response requirements, but would be
deficient in the ability to execute and sustain when compared to the
pedestrian fence.
• Vehicle Fence – The deployment of vehicle fence in the project area would not
deter or impede illegal cross-border pedestrian traffic but would provide
impedance to illegal cross-border vehicular traffic.
o Vehicle fence is estimated to be $2.2 million per mile, which would total
$7,321,600 (including three year maintenance costs) to cover the exposed
2.56 miles of the project area.
o The Sector Chief anticipates the deployment of the vehicle fence
combined with the current baseline deployment will not enhance
detection, identification, classification or response requirements.
• Pedestrian Fence – The proposed I-1A fence project would deter and impede
pedestrian and vehicle entries. The fence would allow much greater response
time to agents when activity is detected. The structure will deter illegal entrants
who are not physically capable of negotiating the obstacle and slows those
possessing the physical ability to climb the barrier.
o It is estimated that the pedestrian fence for the 2.56 miles of the project
area would cost approximately $4 million per mile, which would total
$10,349,016 (including three year maintenance costs).
o The Sector Chief anticipates the deployment of the pedestrian fence
combined with the current baseline deployment will enhance detection,
identification, classification and response requirements. In addition, the
pedestrian fence provides the necessary persistent impedance requirement
that facilitates long term sustainability.
In order to provide the same level of deterrence that pedestrian fencing provides, the
deployment of approximately 360 agents per day over the 2.56 mile segment would be
needed. This deployment would necessitate the strategic placement of agents every 50
yards.
• The fiscal cost of such a deployment over three years is estimated at
$162,201,600
• The operational cost of the total number of agents deployed to gain and maintain
control of this area precludes any significant deployment of agents to address
shifts in smuggling activity to the western flanks.
• The installation of the technology, as a stand alone alternative, would not provide
the required the persistent impedance factor or enhance agent time-distance
response.
Recommended Solution:
• Deploy pedestrian fence in the I-1A project area to impede and deter vehicles and
pedestrian traffic from illegally entering the United States.
• Integrate cameras, sensors, and MSS with laser pointer technology to provide
identification and tracking capabilities to agents in the field. This will compliment
pedestrian fence and enhance the time-distance ratio by providing early detection
capabilities.
• Deploy Border Patrol Agents in a mobile capacity that can patrol the area and
respond when the technology systems detect and cannot deter an individual or
group from entering.
Projected Results:
• Illegal entries by foot will decrease resulting in a reduced impact on the
environment.
• A high degree of operational effectiveness and control along the immediate
border will be established as the added tactical infrastructure will afford agents
the ability to identify, confront, intercept and deter illegal entrants augmenting the
persistent impedance factor.
• Long term effect will require the deployment of fewer agents to gain and maintain
effective control.