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Rio Grande Valley Sector (O-18)

Deployment Analysis

Location: Colonia Galaxia – 3.58 Miles of Urban Area

Key Issues/Constraints:
• Densely populated urban area
o Population of Brownsville, Texas: 176,000
o Population of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico: 303,000
• The Brownsville/Matamoros area is a densely populated urban area which
supports approximately 30% of the international commerce between the United
States and Mexico (agricultural, industrial and commercial)
• The areas immediately adjacent to the Brownsville city limits consist of a variety
of terrain features. Among those terrain features, are vast open farm lands (which
produce a variety of gains, vegetables and sugar cane) dense high/low brush lands
and residential neighborhoods.
• (b) (7)(E)

• Aside from the “Cat Corridor” USFWS manages a large area of federally
protected Wildlife Refuge lands within this fence segment.
o (b) (7)(E)

• Within the Brownsville’s Stations area of responsibility there are two pedestrian
Ports of Entry and a railway bridge all of which are located in the downtown area.
• Colonia Galaxia is situated directly north of the proposed fence segment.
• Homes and businesses within the City of Matamoros, Tamaulipas are located
within ½ mile of the U.S. border.
o (b) (7)(E)

o The approximate mileage from the river to Colonia Galaxia is about 1/10th
of a mile. This area is consists of open land with tall grass and low brush.
• Established streets paved and dirt roads exist on both sides of the immediate
border and facilitate lateral movement for the criminal element.
o (b) (7)(E)

• Upon entry, illegal entrants can easily assimilate into the Colonia Galaxia, a
residential neighborhood that is located to the north of the United States
International Boundary & Water Commission (USIBWC) levee, which
necessitates a barrier to provide a persistence of impedance.

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o The USFWS refuge area is located on the south side of Colonia Galaxia
and provided cover and concealment for the illegal entrants.
• Legitimate routes of ingress into Matamoros and surrounding communities from
southern Mexico and routes of egress out of Brownsville to the interior of the U.S.
are well established and heavily used for illegitimate means.
o Highways and railways in Mexico span from the southern border with
Guatemala to the U.S./Mexico border, providing a direct route for
potential entrants.
• (b) (7)(E)

• West of Colonia Galaxia there is a proposal for POE (Flor de Mayo) . The
proposed fencing will enhance security of the newely proposed POE.

The closeness of the populated area on the opposite sides of the border creates an
opportunity for criminal organizations to gain quick access from one side to the other and
essentially assimilate into the general population, thus avoiding detection and evading
apprehension. This situation creates an enforcement vulnerability for agents charged
with gaining effective control of the border.

Nature of the Threat:


• Garden Park Elementary School is situated to the north of the proposed fence
segment.
• During the daytime, illegal entrants have the ability to assimilate with the general
population due to the closeness of Colonia Galaxia. During the day this places
students, faculty and staff at risk, thus raising a security concern.
• The City of Brownsville Transportation System has numerous bus stops in the
area. These bus stop locations facilitate illegal entrants and allow them to easily
assimilate into the general population.
• Current daily activity in the 3.58 mile segment equates to approximately 2
apprehensions per day. This area is also notorious for narcotics smuggling.
o FY 2007 Border Patrol Agents made 17 narcotics seizures leading to the
confiscation of a total of 3298 pounds of Marijuana. This averages to a
total of about 63 pounds of marijuana a week.

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o FY 2008 Border Patrol Agents have made 11 narcotics seizures leading to
the confiscation of a total of 4565 pounds of Marijuana. This averages to
a total of about 175 pounds of marijuana a week.
• There have been six documented incidents of border violence for this area
• Despite the fact that agents are able to detect entries, the number of entrants and
their ability to assimilate into the general population has a diminishing impact on
enforcement posture. Factors creating this situation include established
residences, businesses and transportation infrastructure.
• (b) (7)(E)

Alternatives Analysis:
• Baseline – (b) (7)(E)

o The Brownsville Station’s marine vessels available, but due to the


inconsistency in water levels in the Rio Grande River they are not used
daily basis.
o The current Border Zone Security Status for Zone 29 where the fence
alignment is located ranges from “Effective Control” to “Initial Control
Capabilities Established”.
• Zone 29 accounts for 10 miles of river. Of these river miles, 1
mile is under “Effective Control” and 9 miles are considered
“Initial Control Capabilities Established.”
• Sensors – The deployment of standard ground sensors would provide agents the
opportunity of detecting and tracking the activities of illegal entrants. Seismic
sensors are buried underground and are undetected by illegal entrants. These
underground seismic sensors have little detrimental social or environmental
impact and are virtually undetectable. Rural areas are optimal areas for
deployment of these resources.
o Sensors will certainly enhance the ability to detect intrusions by illegal
entrants, but as a stand alone feature sensors do little to deter, identify,
classify or enhance the agent response-time to entrant vulnerable-time.
o The area south of the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission
(USIBWC) levee is adequate for sensors, but requires an immediate
response to confront activity prior to assimilation into Colonia Galaxia
(generally one to two minutes).
o (b) (7)(E)

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o The estimated cost of the deployment of sensors for this segment would be
$1,228,500 over a three year period, including estimated maintenance
expenses.
o The construction cost for the pedestrian fence over a three year period
(construction, maintenance and repairs) is estimated at approximately
$19,564,740 compared to the sensor expenses estimated at $1,228,500.
• Cameras – Cameras will provide the initial visual detection as well as a limited
ability to track persons entering the United States. Cameras are able to detect,
identify and classify illegal entrants. Cameras are generally perceived to be
environmentally and socially acceptable.
o Cameras would need to be complimented by supporting technology, such
as sensors, to direct the cameras to a specified area when an incursion has
occurred. If a timely alert is not made, persons will be in the U.S. and out
of the cameras field of view within a few seconds. Additional cameras
will certainly improve the current baseline ability to identify and classify
entrants in this area.
o (b) (7)(E)

o As a standalone feature the deployment of cameras combined with the


current deployment baseline will facilitate increased identification and
classification capabilities, will aid in detection, but will not enhance
deterrence or response requirements that the pedestrian fence alternative
provides.
o The construction cost for the pedestrian fence over a three year period
(construction, maintenance and repairs) is estimated at approximately
$19,564,740 compared to the sensor expenses estimated at $7,800,000.
• Mobile Surveillance Systems (Radar) –Mobile surveillance systems (MSS),
also known as “Ground Radar” can be useful for detecting illegal intrusions in
vast open areas. MSS units are versatile tools that would be advantageous to the
agents who will utilize them.

o (b) (7)(E)

o As a stand alone feature, Mobile Surveillance Systems do not provide the


persistent of impendence required to increase the Border Patrol’s ability to
apprehend illegal entrants.
o (b) (7)(E)

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o The construction cost for the pedestrian fence over a three year period
(construction, maintenance and repairs) is estimated at approximately
$19,564,740 compared to the MSS expenses estimated at $1,700,400.
• Border Patrol Agents – Border Patrol Agents are capable of detecting entries,
identifying and classifying the threat, and responding to intrusions. Border
Agents, in a forward deployed formation, would have a definite deterrent effect
for most potential entrants.
o In using Border Patrol agents as the line of defense, the agency’s ability to
sustain such an immense deployment over a long period of time is
extremely difficult.
o (b) (7)(E)

o The construction cost for the pedestrian fence over a three year period
(construction, maintenance and repairs) is estimated at approximately
$19,564,740 compared to the deployment of Border Patrol Agents is
estimated at $$226,800,000.
• Pedestrian Fence – Pedestrian fence will deter illegal entrants who are not
physically capable of climbing the structure and significantly delay those who
may be fit enough to climb it by providing a sustained impedance.
o With the deployment of the 3.58 miles of fencing we will be able to gain
“Effective Control” of approximately 8.7 river miles directly south of the
proposed fence segment.
o Proposed fencing will enhance the security for the proposed Railway and
pedestrian POE.
o Pedestrian fence will facilitate the agent response time to confront illegal
entrants at their time of entry and prevent them from assimilating into
nearby urban dwellings.
o As a stand alone feature, pedestrian fence cannot detect illegal entrants or
alert enforcement personnel for a proper response and resolution to the
situation. As a result, personnel and technology are required to
compliment tactical infrastructure.
o The estimated costs of the initial and over a three year period, to include
maintenance and repair would be approximately $19,564,740
(approximately 4.2 million per mile).
• Vehicle Fence –The U.S./Mexico border in Texas has the Rio Grande River to
serve as a natural, vehicular barrier between both countries.
o The estimated 3 year cost of implementing a vehicular fence in these 3.58
miles of fence would be approximately $10,238,800.

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o The Rio Grande River serves as a natural barrier; therefore vehicle fence is
not a requirement for this section of the border.
• Weir Dam – The City of Brownsville has considered a Weir Dam that would be
located approximately 17 miles downriver from Colonia. One of the intended
consequences of a Weir Dam is to raise the water levels upstream of the actual
dam and widen the existing natural barrier (Rio Grande River).
o The water levels of the Rio Grande River vary (Irrigation, drought etc.)
and with the construction of the weir dam there could be a impact to the
water flow downriver of the dam, thus diminishing the width and depth of
the Rio Grande River.
o Weir dams have a flat plate across the top portion of the structure, which
can be used to safely traverse between Mexico and the U.S. during periods
when water levels in the river are low.
o Weir dams create a waterfall effect on the downstream side of the dam,
which causes a disturbance in the water known as “whitewater”. This
condition creates a dangerous place for boating, wading or swimming as
anything caught up in the continuous tumbling cycle can remain caught in
this cycle for extended periods of time (underwater).
o In 2004, two Border Patrol Agents drowned when their boat capsized in
the whitewater area of a weir dam upstream of Brownsville in the
Harlingen area.
o The implementation of a weir dam would not provide a deterrent and there
is no credible evidence to support that this option would result in any
additional security and would therefore not be considered as a viable
alternative.
o The 2004 estimate for constructing the Weir Dam Project in Brownsville
was $40,000,000.
• Boats – Border Patrol marine operations are capable of detecting entries,
identifying and classifying the threat, and responding to intrusions as illegal cross-
border activity is committed.
o Water levels in the Rio Grande River tend to vary and are not always
consistent, thus not allowing boat to be utilized.
o Hydrilla, an invasive, non-native weed that plagues the Rio Grande River.
The weed grows from the river bottom to the surface forming sprawling
dense mats that prevents the navigation of marine vessels.
o The Rio Grande River spans a length of approximately 8.7 miles in the
area immediately south of this 3.58 mile segment of fencing.
o (b) (7)(E)

o The estimated costs of obtaining and maintaining a Marine fleet for such a
deployment would be approximately $4,992,000 over a three year period.

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These expenses preclude boat ramp leases, additional boat ramp
requirements, vehicle needed to transport boats to the ramps, and daily
fuel expenses required for operation.
o Over a three year period, the overall costs of implementing the boats
forward deployed (Fleet and Agents) alternative would total
approximately $98,592,000 as compared to the 3 year construction
expense of $19,564,740 for a pedestrian fence.
• Best Technology Combination – An analysis of technology components was
conducted to determine what complement of technology would be most cost-
effective. Based on the analysis, the most cost-effective combination of
technology mix for the O-18 segment was determined to be cameras and mobile
radar. This alternative provides enhanced detection, identification and
classification capabilities, but does not address response or persistence of
impedance requirements.

Key Evaluation Factors:


(b) (7)(E)

• The community relations cost of such a deployment is a perception by the local


residents and businesses that the U, S. Border Patrol have become an “occupation
army”, standing shoulder to shoulder along the border, pursuing illegal activity
up streets, through backyards, and into businesses.
• The operational cost of the total number of agents deployed to gain and maintain
control of the Colonia Galaxia area precludes any significant deployment of
agents to address shifts in smuggling activity to the rural flanks of the
Brownsville area.
• The natural barrier feature (Rio Grande River) will make it difficult for illegal
entrants to use aids like ladders to overcome the physical structure (fence). Those
who are fit enough to overcome the fence or get assistance by accomplices on the
south side of the fence will find they are unable to easily escape back into Mexico
once on the U.S. side of the border.
• The sole reliance on marine operations to effectively gain and maintain control
the Colonia Galaxia area would require an inordinate number of vessels to line the
river. Each boat unit would require a minimum of two agents to safely operate
the vessel. Initial equipment acquisition costs, fuel costs, and personnel expenses

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would be extremely high. In addition, this alternative could potentially promote a
perception by the general public as a “militarized” border.
• The installation of the technology, as a stand alone alternative would improve the
identification and classification capabilities of the Border Patrol, but would not
provide the required level of deterrence or enhance agent time-distance response.

Recommended Solution:
• Deploy pedestrian fencing to deter prospective illegal entrants.
• Deploy a seismic sensor system on the south side of the fence to alert agents when
a person or persons will be approaching the fence, attempting to circumvent, or
tamper with the fence.
• Deploy cameras providing overlapping view sheds of the fence to provide
enhanced surveillance and compliment detection capabilities.
• Deploy visual deterrence systems (lights that may be activated by camera
operators) for nighttime deterrence, and audio systems (speakers that allow
operators to “talk” to potential illegal entrants to let them know they have been
detected and will face arrest if they continue into the US.
• Deploy MSS units, mobile radar, to compliment the tracking capabilities for
agents.
• Deploy agents in a mobile capacity, patrolling along the fence and responding
when the technology systems detect an illegal entry.
• Deploy CBP Air and Marine Assets continuously to assist agents in detecting,
deterring and apprehending illegal incursions.

Projected Results:
• Most, if not all attempted illegal entries will be redirected into areas around the
pedestrian fence, providing additional enforcement response time.
• Those who challenge the pedestrian fence will require equipment or assistance
from others, thereby increase the level of difficultly and frustration of the criminal
element.
• Agents will be available to expand operations to rural areas to address the shift in
smuggling patterns. This shift will provide agents with a tactical advantage in
addressing changes in illegal traffic patterns.
• Create the potential to re-allocate several million dollars in yearly salaries for a
one-time cost of tactical infrastructure and technology deployment.
• Increased level of “Effective Control” will be established in area directly
impacted by fence construction. The reallocation of personnel resources to areas
that flank the fence will result in an increase in the level of “Effective Control” of
these areas as well.
• With the appropriate implementation of infrastructure, technology, and personnel
resources, there will be a significant enhancement to the border security status.
The border security status is expected to rise to a sustainable level of “Initial

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Control Capabilities Established” and achievable increase to “Effective Control”
almost immediately.

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