INS OPERATION RIO GRANDE MARKS TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Top INS officials met in Brownsville on the second anniversary of Operation Rio Grande, a program begun in August 1998 with the aim of controlling the movement of migrants and narcotics across the Texas and New Mexico border with Mexico. A significant part of the operation has been a dramatic increase in the number of Border Patrol agents stationed in the area, doubling in the past two years to 1,146.

Among those in attendance was Commissioner Doris Meissner. In a speech she stated "by nearly every measure, Operation Rio Grande has produced impressive results." Among the signs of the programs success is a 32% decline in apprehensions in the area since 1997 and a 19% drop in crime. Meissner reiterated the INS’ commitment to improving the operation and expanding its territory, but also noted the need to consider the environmental impact of INS operations on the area.

Another subject touched on during the meeting was the INS plan to increase the number of Border Patrol agents. Since July of this year, 200 Border Patrol agents who were trained in recruitment techniques have been placed throughout the country to both recruit new agents and provide community outreach services.

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