Editorial: Don't designate more wilderness along Mexico/US border
Will we be able to secure the U. S./Mexico border, or will it be impossible? With the U. S. Border Patrol denied access for routine patrol in federally designated wilderness areas along Arizona's border and with new corridors and safe havens for illegal activities in wilderness along the border in NM, how would securing the border be possible?
Our community has provided evidence of strong opposition to S.B. 1689, "The Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks Wilderness Act." Listed among those opposing the legislation are the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers, Doña Ana County and New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureaus, Greater Las Cruces and Hatch Valley chambers of commerce, People for Preserving our Western Heritage, New Mexico Federal Lands Council, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, the Coalition of AZ - NM Counties, numerous other organizations, 14 range management professionals and 800 businesses including many major businesses in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. These organizations and business owners represent thousands of members and employees who are your constituents.