Source #1 Newspaper Articles
"Mexico, U.S. and Guatemala to coordinate border security efforts." EFE World News Service 9 Mar. 2014. Global Issues in Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Security officials from Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States are meeting to talk about the borders. They want to work together to start to clamp down on people trafficking and drug trafficking. According to Galindo Ceballos, the Mexico Federal Police Commissioner, the three countries have common problems with illegal trafficking at their borders. He also said that they countries are going to work together to try and stop the illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, and people and to also keep a better watch on who crosses the borders. It said that they are currently working on a way for the three countries to pass information quickly and efficiently between the countries so that they can have a better control over this problem. The officials from each country have also agreed to meet regularly to continue talking about the progress on border security.
"ATTORNEY GENERAL KAMALA D. HARRIS TOURS U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, MEETS WITH LOCAL AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS." States News Service 18 Mar. 2014. General OneFile. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Attorney General Kamala D. Harris visited San Ysidro point of entry with the San Diego Country District Attorney. The San Ysidro point of entry is very important to California and America's economy, but it is also a point for the smuggling of a lot of illegal narcotics. Harris will be leading a group of delegates to Mexico who will be working to establish better relations so that they can strengthen the border. While this port is the place for about $200 million of U.S. exports, it is also the point where around %70 of the U.S. supply of methamphetamine comes through. This supply of methamphetamine is carried by many international Mexico-based criminal organizations. Harris is going to lead a team to Mexico to discuss the issues of human trafficking, drug trafficking, etc. They are going to meet with Mexico officials to discuss what can be done by the two nations to combat these problems.
"Border Patrol Chief: Agents can still shoot at rock throwers; Strict traditional laws have generated lasting ripples in modern life." Washington Times [Washington, DC] 10 Mar. 2014. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Border Patrol Chief Michael J. Fisher says that Border Patrol agents can still use deadly force against rock-throwers. This statement was in response to several incidents of Border Patrol agents firing and killing migrants. Mr. Fisher says that they can still use deadly force, however they should consider their situation and if there is an imminent problem of death of serious injury for the agent. This statement didn't appease various critics, who see this statement as just a rewording of the already existing policy. However, Fisher says that he wants the Border Patrol agents to be safe, but also to be aware of their surroundings and to make the right decisions. Since 2010, rocks have been thrown at U.S. agents over 1700 times while agents have only responded a mere 43 times with deadly force, and only resulting in 10 deaths.
Source #2 Magazine Articles
Schaeffer-Duffy, Claire. "Guns across the border: US arms and Mexico's violence: gun policy is no longer domestic as weapons made and solo here are smuggled into mexico." National Catholic Reporter 31 Jan. 2014: 1+. General OneFile. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Mexico, who has highly restrictive gun laws, has forced many people to smuggle guns from the United States into Mexico. It is estimated that about a quarter-million weapons are smuggled from the United States into Mexico every year. Most of these smuggled guns most likely go to the local drug cartels. In February 2012, the president of Mexico asked the people of the United States to help end the terrible violence in Mexico by stopping the flow of weapons into Mexico. And the way to do this, strengthen border security, and build more fences. Mexico is currently experiencing an epidemic of gun violence, which most of these guns have come from the United States. Border security needs to be strengthened, not only for the safety of Americans, but also our neighbors.
"Private Sector Addresses Cross-Border Security Concerns." Supply & Demand Chain Executive Dec. 2013. General OneFile. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: For many years, a lot of people have been concerned about the cross border movement of cargo. There is a large need to carefully observe the movement of cargo due to concerns about drug cartels. However, this slows down the process of moving cargo between the countries by quite a bit. Because of this, six major US firms have teamed up and created a policy to address these concerns and make the movement of cargo more efficient. Their program would provide much needed surveillance of all the shipments. It would track where is enters any area, when and if there are any intrusions and where they took place, and if the cargo goes off course at all. Along with being able to track the cargo at all times, this project would also create financial benefits letting items be shipped quicker.
Source #3 Multimedia
"The Fire Next Door: Mexico's Drug Violence and the Danger to America." Cato Institute 30 Nov. 2012. Global Issues in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: The United States is perceived by many as the number one market for illegal drugs, therefore, the United States has had to start a war on drugs. There has been an increase in drug related violence in areas around the border for the past decade. Because of this war on drugs by not only Mexico, but the United States too, homicides in Mexico have increased significantly. The reason we should be worried about this is because these cartels that are murdering people, are also entering the United States. In addition, we supply millions of dollars to the Mexican government to aid them in the effort to destroy these cartels. And since this increase in violence is literally right next door to us, we need to do more to make sure our citizens stay safe.
"Smuggling In Southern California Up 30 Percent." All Things Considered 13 Dec. 2012. Global Issues in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: So far, all we have really discussed was the need for fence and stronger border security. However, there is one area we have lacked discussing. The need for more secure waters. In 2012, drug and alien smuggling has increased off the Southern coast of California by 30 percent. And during a Coast Guard attempt to apprehend smugglers on a boat, a U.S. Coast Guard was killed by the smugglers. With the land border being more secured, the cartels and smugglers have sought out alternate routes into the United States, often by water. These smugglers often paint their boats the color of the water and put tarps over the boat in order to hide from patrolling helicopters. It is a struggle to patrol these waters and if we cannot control what comes in and out of our ports, then we have a problem.
Source #4 Global Viewpoints
"The spillover fallacy." Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada] 18 Mar. 2010: A18. Global Issues In Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: From the Canadian paper, Globe & Mail, they take more of a critical stance on the U.S.. They say the United States is overplaying the border violence when most of the violence isn't even on the united States side of the border. They say that the United States is overreacting when in reality the U.S. isn't really doing much to aid the situation. The paper also says that the U.S. needs to be more committed on the situation and do more than send money to the Mexican government. In addition, they say that there is no evidence to support the U.S.'s claim that there is spillover violence on the U.S. side of the border.
"Tough-smart Border Control." International Herald Tribune 30 Mar. 2009: 6. Global Issues In Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: From the International Herald Tribune, they take more of a pro-fence perspective. They claim that since the Americans are the individuals who almost drive the drug smuggling market because of the addictions of the cartels' drugs. In addition, the smuggling of weapons from the United States to Mexico has almost made the cartels similar to small armies. Because of the large weapons that are smuggled, the Herald is supportive of the United States' initiative to improve screening on trucks and vehicles traveling south of the border, in hope to stop and apprehend weapons being smuggled into Mexico.
Source #5 Opposing Viewpoints
Hing, Julianne, and Hatty Lee. "Border Violence Is Declining." Mexico. David Haugen and Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "The Border Violence Lie." ColorLines (14 June 2010). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Some people like to think that there is no need for more border security, and that the even the security we have now is too much and is a bad image. Many people also argue that the violence that surrounds the border is on the decline and there is no need for the militarization of the border. El Paso saw a 29 percent drop in murders, bested by Tucson, Ariz., which saw a 46 percent decline in murders. These people also argue that the government tries to overplay the problem of the border and that they exaggerate the problems stringing form the border. The majority of people believe that the government should cut all the spending on border protection, and try to represent a more open-arms image.
Schrag, Peter. "Strengthening the US-Mexico Border Will Not Stop Illegal Immigration."Illegal Immigration. David Haugen and Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Why Strengthening the U.S.-Mexican Border Leads to More Illegal Immigration." Washington Post 18 July 2010. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Another argument that is made by those opposed of a strengthened border is that the the improvements that had supposedly been done to border security have actually had a reverse effect on the border. These people also believe that the number one force behind illegal immigration is jobs in America. However this might be true, but this is not the main reason for the need of stronger border security. Trying to tightly seal any border will almost inevitably bring unintended consequences—in reluctant illegal residents, in increased offshoring of industry and jobs, in cross-border smuggling and crime or, as with Arizona's new immigration law, in a whole new set of foreign policy problems. Opponents of the wall also argue that no matter what the United States does to try and stop illegal immigration, illegal immigrants will find a way into the United States one way or another.
"Mexico, U.S. and Guatemala to coordinate border security efforts." EFE World News Service 9 Mar. 2014. Global Issues in Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Security officials from Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States are meeting to talk about the borders. They want to work together to start to clamp down on people trafficking and drug trafficking. According to Galindo Ceballos, the Mexico Federal Police Commissioner, the three countries have common problems with illegal trafficking at their borders. He also said that they countries are going to work together to try and stop the illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, and people and to also keep a better watch on who crosses the borders. It said that they are currently working on a way for the three countries to pass information quickly and efficiently between the countries so that they can have a better control over this problem. The officials from each country have also agreed to meet regularly to continue talking about the progress on border security.
"ATTORNEY GENERAL KAMALA D. HARRIS TOURS U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, MEETS WITH LOCAL AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS." States News Service 18 Mar. 2014. General OneFile. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Attorney General Kamala D. Harris visited San Ysidro point of entry with the San Diego Country District Attorney. The San Ysidro point of entry is very important to California and America's economy, but it is also a point for the smuggling of a lot of illegal narcotics. Harris will be leading a group of delegates to Mexico who will be working to establish better relations so that they can strengthen the border. While this port is the place for about $200 million of U.S. exports, it is also the point where around %70 of the U.S. supply of methamphetamine comes through. This supply of methamphetamine is carried by many international Mexico-based criminal organizations. Harris is going to lead a team to Mexico to discuss the issues of human trafficking, drug trafficking, etc. They are going to meet with Mexico officials to discuss what can be done by the two nations to combat these problems.
"Border Patrol Chief: Agents can still shoot at rock throwers; Strict traditional laws have generated lasting ripples in modern life." Washington Times [Washington, DC] 10 Mar. 2014. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Border Patrol Chief Michael J. Fisher says that Border Patrol agents can still use deadly force against rock-throwers. This statement was in response to several incidents of Border Patrol agents firing and killing migrants. Mr. Fisher says that they can still use deadly force, however they should consider their situation and if there is an imminent problem of death of serious injury for the agent. This statement didn't appease various critics, who see this statement as just a rewording of the already existing policy. However, Fisher says that he wants the Border Patrol agents to be safe, but also to be aware of their surroundings and to make the right decisions. Since 2010, rocks have been thrown at U.S. agents over 1700 times while agents have only responded a mere 43 times with deadly force, and only resulting in 10 deaths.
Source #2 Magazine Articles
Schaeffer-Duffy, Claire. "Guns across the border: US arms and Mexico's violence: gun policy is no longer domestic as weapons made and solo here are smuggled into mexico." National Catholic Reporter 31 Jan. 2014: 1+. General OneFile. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Mexico, who has highly restrictive gun laws, has forced many people to smuggle guns from the United States into Mexico. It is estimated that about a quarter-million weapons are smuggled from the United States into Mexico every year. Most of these smuggled guns most likely go to the local drug cartels. In February 2012, the president of Mexico asked the people of the United States to help end the terrible violence in Mexico by stopping the flow of weapons into Mexico. And the way to do this, strengthen border security, and build more fences. Mexico is currently experiencing an epidemic of gun violence, which most of these guns have come from the United States. Border security needs to be strengthened, not only for the safety of Americans, but also our neighbors.
"Private Sector Addresses Cross-Border Security Concerns." Supply & Demand Chain Executive Dec. 2013. General OneFile. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: For many years, a lot of people have been concerned about the cross border movement of cargo. There is a large need to carefully observe the movement of cargo due to concerns about drug cartels. However, this slows down the process of moving cargo between the countries by quite a bit. Because of this, six major US firms have teamed up and created a policy to address these concerns and make the movement of cargo more efficient. Their program would provide much needed surveillance of all the shipments. It would track where is enters any area, when and if there are any intrusions and where they took place, and if the cargo goes off course at all. Along with being able to track the cargo at all times, this project would also create financial benefits letting items be shipped quicker.
Source #3 Multimedia
"The Fire Next Door: Mexico's Drug Violence and the Danger to America." Cato Institute 30 Nov. 2012. Global Issues in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: The United States is perceived by many as the number one market for illegal drugs, therefore, the United States has had to start a war on drugs. There has been an increase in drug related violence in areas around the border for the past decade. Because of this war on drugs by not only Mexico, but the United States too, homicides in Mexico have increased significantly. The reason we should be worried about this is because these cartels that are murdering people, are also entering the United States. In addition, we supply millions of dollars to the Mexican government to aid them in the effort to destroy these cartels. And since this increase in violence is literally right next door to us, we need to do more to make sure our citizens stay safe.
"Smuggling In Southern California Up 30 Percent." All Things Considered 13 Dec. 2012. Global Issues in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: So far, all we have really discussed was the need for fence and stronger border security. However, there is one area we have lacked discussing. The need for more secure waters. In 2012, drug and alien smuggling has increased off the Southern coast of California by 30 percent. And during a Coast Guard attempt to apprehend smugglers on a boat, a U.S. Coast Guard was killed by the smugglers. With the land border being more secured, the cartels and smugglers have sought out alternate routes into the United States, often by water. These smugglers often paint their boats the color of the water and put tarps over the boat in order to hide from patrolling helicopters. It is a struggle to patrol these waters and if we cannot control what comes in and out of our ports, then we have a problem.
Source #4 Global Viewpoints
"The spillover fallacy." Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada] 18 Mar. 2010: A18. Global Issues In Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: From the Canadian paper, Globe & Mail, they take more of a critical stance on the U.S.. They say the United States is overplaying the border violence when most of the violence isn't even on the united States side of the border. They say that the United States is overreacting when in reality the U.S. isn't really doing much to aid the situation. The paper also says that the U.S. needs to be more committed on the situation and do more than send money to the Mexican government. In addition, they say that there is no evidence to support the U.S.'s claim that there is spillover violence on the U.S. side of the border.
"Tough-smart Border Control." International Herald Tribune 30 Mar. 2009: 6. Global Issues In Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: From the International Herald Tribune, they take more of a pro-fence perspective. They claim that since the Americans are the individuals who almost drive the drug smuggling market because of the addictions of the cartels' drugs. In addition, the smuggling of weapons from the United States to Mexico has almost made the cartels similar to small armies. Because of the large weapons that are smuggled, the Herald is supportive of the United States' initiative to improve screening on trucks and vehicles traveling south of the border, in hope to stop and apprehend weapons being smuggled into Mexico.
Source #5 Opposing Viewpoints
Hing, Julianne, and Hatty Lee. "Border Violence Is Declining." Mexico. David Haugen and Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "The Border Violence Lie." ColorLines (14 June 2010). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Some people like to think that there is no need for more border security, and that the even the security we have now is too much and is a bad image. Many people also argue that the violence that surrounds the border is on the decline and there is no need for the militarization of the border. El Paso saw a 29 percent drop in murders, bested by Tucson, Ariz., which saw a 46 percent decline in murders. These people also argue that the government tries to overplay the problem of the border and that they exaggerate the problems stringing form the border. The majority of people believe that the government should cut all the spending on border protection, and try to represent a more open-arms image.
Schrag, Peter. "Strengthening the US-Mexico Border Will Not Stop Illegal Immigration."Illegal Immigration. David Haugen and Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Why Strengthening the U.S.-Mexican Border Leads to More Illegal Immigration." Washington Post 18 July 2010. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Summary: Another argument that is made by those opposed of a strengthened border is that the the improvements that had supposedly been done to border security have actually had a reverse effect on the border. These people also believe that the number one force behind illegal immigration is jobs in America. However this might be true, but this is not the main reason for the need of stronger border security. Trying to tightly seal any border will almost inevitably bring unintended consequences—in reluctant illegal residents, in increased offshoring of industry and jobs, in cross-border smuggling and crime or, as with Arizona's new immigration law, in a whole new set of foreign policy problems. Opponents of the wall also argue that no matter what the United States does to try and stop illegal immigration, illegal immigrants will find a way into the United States one way or another.