Border patrol proposal draws support, criticism

KONP Radio News – August 20th, 2010 – 6:09 am

(Port Angeles) — A proposal that would move the local border patrol headquarters into what is now the Eagles Building has drawn support and ire in the community.

Earlier this week members of “Stop the Checkpoints” a group critical of the U-S Border Patrol took picket signs to the street in front of the Eagles Building at First and Penn.

But there were more counter protesters showing support for the border patrol in the area.

The dueling protests echoed similar sentiments before the Port Angeles city council this week.

During a public comment period supporters and critics told city leaders what they think.

Retired law enforcement officer Bill Henry says he supports the patrol and feels good about the abilities and training of its officers.

“We’re talking about people who are well trained and educated, who’s background has been very carefully examined. I think we should feel proud they’re representing us. They are the border patrol, and we are living on a border. What more logical place could there be (for a new headquarters),” said Henry.

But another speaker, Susan Dorazio, had a different viewpoint.

“I’ve written a letter against this plan. I’ve been a member of ‘Stop the Checkpoints’ for two years and we will be working vigorously to stop this plan,” said Dorazio.

Dorazio feels that beefing up the Border Patrol is one step by the federal government to militarize the border between Canada and the United States.

Retired Seattle police officer Jerry Sampont, who lives in Gales addition says he thinks we need the Border Patrol

“I support it. We live in an area where our borders are vunerable. We’re not the one’s making problems on the border. There are more than illegal immigrants coming across the border. There are terrorists, as we’ve seen in the past; there are smugglers, there are criminals. We don’t want it to happen, but it is,” said Sampont.

The debate centers on the city’s of Port Angeles approval to the expansion of the Border Patrol locally. That approval is not a requirement for the federal agency to expand.

The Boarder Patrol has sent a letter of interest in moving into the Eagles’ property. That property has been for sale for years. However, a formal purchase offer has not been tendered.

The Border Patrol says it needs to move from its current headquarters at the Federal Building in downtown Port Angeles.