With the advent of Operation Gatekeeper in 1994, a multi-step plan went into effect for the San Diego Sector. Each passing month saw more agents patrolling the border, making it increasingly difficult for the unauthorized entry of foreign immigrants. The entire East County was soon affected as the illegal immigration moved eastward into an area that traditionally saw few illegal entries. In an attempt to prevent illegal entries into the affected communities, the Border Patrol responded with additional agents for the East County. Historically, a few agents working part-time maintained a casual relationship with the occupants of the East County. Unauthorized immigrant traffic was slow and contact between property owners and agents was frequent, friendly and personable. With the increased immigrant traffic, however, contact has increased significantly. The Campo station has responded appropriately with a full-time, three agent staff. The team is augmented by an additional twelve agents who assist part-time in an effort to make interaction with the Border Patrol a pleasant and valued experience for the community.

The Community Relations Unit is active in a variety of ways. Each agent involved takes the time to listen to the thoughts and experiences of their neighbors and shares them with the patrol groups who are working in the field. In addition, the CRU responds to each phone call that is received from community members voicing their concerns and a return call is made. For example, if a report is received regarding a group of possible aliens passing through an owners property, a call back is made to share the number of apprehensions that were made as a result of the call. This provides an opportunity for concerned community members to ask any questions they might have regarding other immigration related issues. A new telephone line has been installed to give citizens direct access to the CRU.

The Border Patrol Citizen's Academy is another exciting initiative at the Campo Station. This fast paced, well-taught, open-forum academy provides an opportunity for members of the community to spend one evening a week for eight weeks on-site with experienced Agents. The agents presenting the academy have spent a number of years working in border communities and are familiar with many of the issues that can arise. The curriculum involves sections of law; offers an overview of border operations and gives the students the chance to ride in the field with agents. In addition, open-dialogue is encouraged providing the instructors with valuable feed back from the neighborhood. This same open-minded approach is manifested in other areas as well.

Agents are on hand to respond to a multitude of requests from other agencies and organizations in the community. Often, calls are received from interested parties requesting agents to speak at public events. These calls include, among others, schools, special interest groups and community organizations.

The Campo Border Patrol Station and the San Diego Sector are serious about being good neighbors. At the forefront of this effort is the working behavior of each individual field agent, and supporting the effort is the Community Relations Unit. We invite participation and are looking forward to continued relations in the future. The Community Relations Unit can be contacted at (619) 478-5444 ext. 308