see also: in August 2006 News Releases:   CBP Miami Field Office Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory # 4   CBP Atlanta Field Office   CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Gang Member   CBP Miami Field Office Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory #3   Customs and Border Protection to Staff Marinas in South Florida During Labor Day Weekend   CBP Tampa Field Office Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory #1   CBP Miami Field Office Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory #2 ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Edinburg, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector cites notable success in border security operations in South Texas. This fiscal year, the amount of people arrested illegally attempting to enter the United States has decreased by 13 percent. With increased detention capabilities and intelligence-based operations, the number of people arrested from countries Other Than Mexico (OTM’s) has dropped by 28 percent.

In perhaps the most vivid illustration of this significant trend, a comparison of OTM arrests in August 2005 (3498) to August 2006 (913) reveals a stunning decrease of 74 percent. Additionally, Border Patrol Agents have intercepted over $376 million worth of illegal drugs.

“The proper balance of personnel, technology, and infrastructure is the cornerstone of the Secure Border Initiative. We continue to make great strides in achieving our goal of sustaining a safe and secure border,” said Lynne M. Underdown, Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector. “The gains we realized through the Expedited Removal Program have enabled us to deploy Rapid Response Teams as well as activate a state of the art Border Intelligence Center, promoting the use of technology in a comprehensive approach to gain operational control of the border.”

Upgrades in technology such as enhancements to the Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS), Geospatial trend analysis through the Border Intelligence Center (BIC), and the full integration of ground forces, air, and marine assets have played a major role in increasing border security effectiveness. The BIC streamlines the way intelligence is analyzed and disseminated to Border Patrol Agents on the frontline as well as to state and local law enforcement partners. This technology is also complimented by the ability to deploy the Border Patrol’s Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) and Special Response Teams (SRT).

“Technology, personnel, and partnerships – you must have the whole package and work each component with equal resolve,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Underdown.

Border Patrol Agents are some of the most highly trained law enforcement officers in the world. As the primary law enforcement agency on the border, the agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector patrol and protect the border with vigilance, dedication to service and integrity.

In the ongoing effort to disrupt human trafficking and smuggling, the Rio Grande Valley Sector has created a toll-free telephone number for the community to report suspicious activity: 1-(800) 863-9382.

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.