Crime rates associated with illegal alien activity decreasing

[Az Grammy]

Crime rates associated with illegal alien activity decreasing
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER

Crime rates associated with illegal alien activity have steadily decreased over the past five years as fewer undocumented aliens are trying to sneak into the country.

And more are being arrested and prosecuted for their crimes, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, while the number of aliens apprehended by the Border Patrol in the Yuma Sector in fiscal year 2009 declined 17 percent from 8,360 to 6,951, the number of drug seizures jumped 10 percent, to 4,626 from 4,223.

Those seizures included 51,695 pounds of marijuana (up 73 percent), 75.9 pounds of cocaine (up 77 percent), 35.3 pounds of methamphetamines (up 55 percent) and smaller amounts of heroin and other drugs.

The total street value of all the drugs seized was just over $46.5 million, a $20 million increase (73 percent) over FY 2008.

Yuma Sector agents also confiscated nearly a half-million dollars, about $460,508 in U.S. currency, connected with illegal activities. That figure is up from $67,224 confiscated in FY 2008.

Also, since the Yuma Sector is prosecuting every illegal apprehended, with most receiving jail time, many are choosing to make their attempt to enter the country somewhere else, according to CBP.

During FY 2009, Yuma Sector agents successfully rescued 19 people from the area’s desert regions. Only three alien deaths were recorded during that period. Of those, one was the pilot of an ultralight aircraft that crashed, and the other two were skeletal remains found in the desert.

The result of fewer illegal aliens on Yuma County streets, according to CBP, is lower crime throughout the area. Data compiled by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office from all area law enforcement agencies shows that criminal activity specifically committed by undocumented aliens decreased dramatically between calendar years 2005 and 2008.

Decreases in alien-related crimes include:
• Felonies down 82 percent.
• Misdemeanors down 56 percent.
• Traffic accidents down 30 percent.
• Auto thefts down 54 percent.
• Burglaries, thefts and ID thefts down 88 percent.

“The decrease in criminal activity by undocumented aliens also is a tribute to the teamwork displayed by all area law enforcement agencies,” said Yuma Border Patrol Sector Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson. “City, county, tribal, state and federal agencies in both Arizona and California continually demonstrate their joint commitment to the safety and security of area residents.

“These decreases clearly indicate that Yuma County residents are safer and their homes and property are more secure as fewer illegal aliens cross the border,” Beeson said. “A troubling aspect is that, as fewer people are attempting to cross the border, more of those who do are trying to smuggle illegal drugs and other contraband into the country."

Beeson added that as the Yuma Sector intercepts more drug shipments, the drug smugglers are getting more desperate and creative in their attempts.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.

http://www.yumasun.com/news/border-5...oms-rates.html

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