This local story has been developing for years now. There has been plenty of time for people with the advantage of a press credential to schedule appointments, do interviews & ask questions.
Best case scenario- elected officials, public agencies, & a free and independent press work together to keep people informed.
This concept has completely broken down Re: the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
I created a facebook page to encourage discussion Re: The US Border Patrol at Port Angeles.
Why is this situation unusual or of interest?
A new $9.8 million, 50 agent US Border Patrol station for an area sharing no land border with Canada-
Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring the 50 agent facility.
Press coverage that reads like paid advertising or something produced by US Border Patrol public relations-
Most of the photos used in this article were provided by the federal government.
Secret arrest statistics and a denied FOIA request-
The people of Erie, PA did not have to submit a FOIA request to find out what justified the expansion of their local Border Patrol station-
No public information/security conflict at the U.S. Border Patrol station (not sector) in Erie, PA.
Erie Station- similar to Port Angeles in that it is separated from Canada by water.
Note: reports of the expansion at Erie include numbers of arrests out of that station:
“The Border Patrol operations in Erie, nearly six years old, include more than 30 agents who apprehended 588 illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2008-09.”
“The Border Patrol’s apprehensions in the Erie area have grown steadily, from 332 in fiscal 2006-2007 to 588 in 2008-09 to 305 so far in 2009-10.
Of those apprehended so far this fiscal year, 136 were individuals found by other law enforcement agencies and turned over to the Border Patrol.”
Suspicionless checkpoints away from border crossings and ports of entry-
Where else in the US has the Border Patrol staged checkpoints- then later abandoned the idea?
The Olympic Peninsula and the Anacortes ferry terminal are two examples.
Two total arrests involving cross-border traffic for the land and sea based Homeland Security forces stationed at Port Angeles.
More than a year later- what are the results of the whistleblower investigation Re: fraudulent overtime claims at the Port Angeles USBP station?
Hey local reporters-
Plenty of time has passed since August 2, 2011- What are the results of the investigation? No follow up?
Sept 2011- Congressman Norm Dicks says USBP whistleblower lacks credibility. A proper investigation will reveal the truth- where is the report Congressman?
Imagine a school district wanting to expand staff and facilities and, at the same time- suppressing public information Re: the number of students enrolled, teachers on staff and number of students graduated in the past 36 months.
“…the Border Patrol has refused to divulge the number of agents in Port Angeles…”
Background information & news links here
Latest developments & news links here
Possibly of interest: