see also: in 2008 Fiscal Year in Review Field News Releases:   CBP Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for Baltimore Port of Entry   CBP Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for San Diego Air and Marine Unit   CBP Border Patrol Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for El Paso Sector   CBP Border Patrol Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for Ramey Sector   CBP Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for Arizona Ports of Entry   CBP Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for Midwest Ports of Entry   CBP Announces Fiscal Year 2008 Achievements for Buffalo Area Ports of Entry ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Imperial, Calif. – The United States Border Patrol experienced a 17 percent decrease in illegal alien apprehensions throughout the United States in 2008 with 723,825 compared to 876,704 in 2007. El Centro Sector Border Patrol experienced a 27 percent decrease in its illegal alien apprehensions.

In fiscal year 2008, which ran between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008, El Centro Sector apprehended 40,961 illegal aliens, a decrease from last year’s 55,883 apprehensions. Along with alien apprehensions, El Centro Sector Border Patrol recorded a decrease in the number of narcotics smuggled through its area of operation. The most notable narcotic decrease was marijuana seizures which decreased 45 percent this year with 33, 602 pounds seized compared to 61,262 pounds in 2007. Cocaine apprehensions dropped 84 percent with 182.21 pounds seized in 2008 by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents.

Our national strategy is based on our effective employment of manpower, technology and tactical infrastructure. Last year through the support of Operation Jump Start, El Centro Sector acquired an additional 2.88 miles of fencing with additional fencing projected in the near future. Our work force includes nearly 1,100 agents, an increase of 177 agents from the previous year.

Partnerships with other agencies are a key to our success. Liaison efforts have also increased which have significantly enhanced working relationships between the El Centro Sector and other law enforcement agencies. Just recently, Operation Stonegarden allocated over $2 million to local and state law enforcement agencies in the Imperial Valley to help support in securing the border.

In collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the El Centro Sector increased prosecution of notorious alien smugglers and criminal aliens. In one public case this year, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents were able to patiently piece together a strong enough smuggling case for the United States Attorney’s Office to convict and sentence Emilio Reyes-Bosque to 17.5 years imprisonment. Prosecution of aggravated felons increased from 88 cases in 2007 to 135 cases in 2008 with a 90 percent conviction rate. El Centro Sector also presented 123 alien smuggling cases in federal court. The El Centro Sector International Liaison Unit referred 48 criminal cases to Mexican authorities that were unable to be tried in the United States.

Through the appropriate use of resources, El Centro Sector Border Patrol strives to reduce crime in the community, improving the quality of life using the right combination of personnel, technology and infrastructure, gaining operational control our borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.