see also: in November 2007 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize 50 Pounds of Cocaine, Three Pounds of Heroin, Guns & Ammo, Arrest 22 For Illegal Entry and Arrest 20 Fugitives During Two-Week Holiday Span at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender   Border Patrol Seizes One Ton of Marijuana at Sierra Blanca Checkpoint   Border Patrol Yields $3.7 Million in a Day’s Seizures   Border Patrol and Coast Guard Sign Cooperation Agreement   CBP Seized Cocaine Concealed in Suitcase   Border Patrol Agents Seize 5,450 Pounds of Marijuana Near Freer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Edinburg, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol had a 34% decrease in overall apprehensions for fiscal year 2007. The Sector attributes this decrease to a number of factors that include; assistance provided through Operation Jump Start and the Texas National Guard, the recent acquisition of 480 additional Border Patrol Agents, additional technology and infrastructure, and a sustained detention capability for arrested persons. The decrease in apprehensions is an indicator that the Sector’s enforcement and deterrent efforts are effecting additional operational control over its assigned 316 border miles and 18,000 square mile area of responsibility in deep south Texas.

The following statistics represent the 2007 fiscal year numbers from the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector:

• 34% Decrease in Total Apprehensions. [73,430 total apprehensions in FY 2007 as compared to 110,528 total apprehensions in FY 2006.] (Lowest Number Of Apprehensions In 15 Years)
• 59% Decrease in OTM Aprehensions. [21,455 OTM apprehensions In FY 2007 as compared to 52,246 OTM apprehensions in FY 2006.]
• 79% Increase in Marijuana Seizures. [Over 200 tons of marijuana seized in FY 2007 as compared to 113 tons of marijuana seized in FY 2006.]
• 2% Increase in Cocaine Seizures. [7,342 pounds of cocaine seized in FY 2007 as compared to 7,186 pounds of cocaine seized in FY 2006.] (RGV Sector is the #1 Sector in the Nation in Cocaine Sezures)

When asked about the statistical decrease in apprehensions, Chief Patrol Agent Ronald D. Vitiello responded: “The mission of the United States Border Patrol is to effect operational control of our Nation’s border. The men and women assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector appreciate the enormity of this task and strive to accomplish that goal on a daily basis. The decreased apprehension rates are indicative that their efforts are working. The statistics are important because they validate the hard work and long hours that have gone toward achieving the mission. Additionally, the statistics demonstrate that the Border Patrol is improving the quality of life among the communities it serves and protects by providing for a safer place to live and raise families. With future personnel, infrastructure, technology and improved rapid response capability, the Sector hopes to further capitalize on its ability to affect operational control over the border area and become a nationally recognized leader in the ongoing mission to protect the homeland.”

While achieving these impressive statistics, RGV Agents, along with Agents of the BORSTAR Unit, managed to rescue and provide assistance to 515 people in medical distress situations, from inside confined spaces (i.e. water rescues, trunks of cars, inside air-tight, locked tractor-trailers, air-dams), and from injuries sustained during foiled smuggling attempts.

Along with the heroic efforts of saving lives, RGV Sector reports a total of 61 people that lost their lives engaging in their quest to illegally cross into the United States, representing a 25% decrease for FY 2007.

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 the 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.