WASHINGON, D.C., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- President Bush’s goal of doubling the number of U.S. Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008 is feasible said the man in charge of accomplishing it.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner W. Ralph Basham says his agency is “on track” to hire 6,000 new agents, The Washington Times reported Friday.
In addition to an aggressive recruiting drive, the agency has made major revisions in training that Basham says have streamlined the process while maintaining its quality.
“I am completely satisfied we now have a better delivery system and we will get the job done,” Basham told The Times.
Basham’s view is not shared by Kent Lundgren coordinator of the 800-member National Association of Border Patrol Officers.
“It can’t be done and still turn out functional, effective Border Patrol agents,” Lundgren says.
He is among several current and former immigration officers who think a lack of adequate academy training and field supervision could lead to the deployment of agents who might overreact to threats in critical border areas.
