Mukasey, Chertoff call for border funding

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey announced a funding request for the 2009 fiscal budget in an initiative to enhance security along the border with Mexico.

As part of the Southwest Border Enforcement Initiative from President George Bush, Mukasey announced plans for a $100 million funding request that would secure the border from illegal immigration along with drugs and weapons trafficking.

"Support for the full range of law enforcement operations along our Southwest border is absolutely critical," Mukasey said in a statement. "I recently had the chance to visit with federal law enforcement officials along the border and saw firsthand the immense challenges they face and the importance of resources to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, drugs, and weapons, ultimately making our communities and nation safer."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff also announced plans Thursday to increase the department's border security enforcement budget by 19 percent.

Chertoff says the increased funding will allow the department to achieve border infrastructure, fencing and personnel goals by the end of 2008.

"In his State of the Union address, President Bush said that we must secure the border, police the interior, and find a way to deal with the issue of illegal immigration in a way that is humane and sensible," Chertoff said. "The president's budget request builds on our accomplishments and substantially reinforces our commitment to provide more boots on the ground."