Border disorder: Arizona deputy shot in desert

By Michelle Malkin  •  April 30, 2010 10:46 PM

Just doing the cop-shooting ordinary Americans won’t do, it seems. Via the Arizona Republic:

A Pinal County Sheriff’s deputy was shot in the stomach Friday by a suspected drug smuggler off Interstate 8, according sheriff’s officials.

Lt. Tami Villar told 12 News that the search and rescue deputy was investigating a load of marijuana in the desert and was confronted by five suspects.

Deputies believe at least two people were armed with long guns and at least one handgun. The deputy, whose name was not released, was patrolling alone in what is considered a high-traffic drug and human-smuggling corridor.

Villar said the deputy radioed dispatch about 4:30 p.m. to say he had been shot off Interstate 8 and Arizona 84, but he could not be found when authorities arrived at the scene.

The deputy was located more than an hour later and taken to the Casa Grande Regional Medical Center for treatment. He is expected to survive.

Authorities are still on the hunt for all five suspects.

Allahpundit has a complete rundown at Hot Air and ties the incident to the new Arizona immigration enforcement law:

Critics of the new law have been demanding a fact pattern by which “reasonable suspicion” might lawfully arise. Well, this one seems promising: A desert search along a route known to be used by coyotes turns up illegal drugs, with further investigation revealing a group of people nearby. Under the circumstances, suspicion of a crime committed by illegals doesn’t seem so wingnutty. And, I emphasize, it’s just suspicion: Could be that these would-be cop-killers are bona fide U.S. citizens. But then, that’s what the law is for — to let cops ascertain status in dubious circumstances. Assuming they were all in a car on a suspected coyote route, were pulled over for speeding, and no one in the car could offer any address of U.S. residence, names of U.S. relatives, etc., shouldn’t “reasonable suspicion” obtain?

***

Flashback: Houston PD officer Rodney Johnson gunned down by previously deported illegal alien.

Flashback: Denver police officer Donnie Young murdered by illegal alien protected by reckless sanctuary policy.

Flashback: Chapter 5, Invasion — In Cold Blood: Foreign Cop-Killers on the Loose.

Flashback: MS-13 targets cops.

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Posted in: Immigration

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Comments


  1. #1
    On April 30th, 2010 at 10:54 pm, coffee said:

    Another sad incident that will be labeled an isolated incident. For those of you not from a border state, you may not be aware, but people are being killed daily along the border.

  2. #2
    On April 30th, 2010 at 10:56 pm, Azygos said:

    I may have lost count but this may be the 4th officer shot in Arizona in the past month or two. All by suspected illegal aliens.

  3. #3
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:00 pm, txvet2 said:

    It’s about time the cops started shooting back. Here in SA, you don’t mess with a cop. They WILL blow you away. We’re getting so there are 2-3 shooting incidents a week.

  4. #4
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:04 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    Obvious case of profiling. Shooter was probably stopped because he looked Mexican. This government-sanctioned harassment or obvious criminals must stop. Next thing you know, it’ll be a crime to be a criminal.

  5. #5
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:06 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    Besides, he was shot by an AK-47 and as we all know, guns kill people.

  6. #6
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:11 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Armed Predators and Apaches are a good supplement to deputies.

  7. #7
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:14 pm, 24Klady said:

    And, the reasons for not closing the borders with a no entry sign is what again? These thugs crossed the line of being anywhere close to human a long time ago.

    My rant this whole week has been that
    closing the borders, with an ultimate amnesty, is not going to produce anything different. Certainly not a drop in crime. Those that came in to our country illegally have a different mindset than those that spent years to do so legally. They will continue to do exactly what they’ve been doing. Nothing is going to change. The illegals are out of control and have brought the exact same conditions, along with the resulting crime, they knew in Mexico/Central and South America to our neighborhoods.

  8. #8
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:23 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:14 pm, 24Klady said:

    These thugs are not the Taliban, the Japanese or the NVA. When their buddies start getting shot they will leave.

  9. #9
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:35 pm, bear1909 said:

    The deputy’s blood is on President O-hole’s hands. And for good measure, Pelosi and Reid’s as well.

    Enforcing the law is not bully behavior. Legal accountability for law enforcement is a good thing, by the book for the protection of the people. We must insist and persist, not letting the fairytale logic of the peace and justice crowd put American citizens at risk for the sake of their fantasy world standards of giving border crashing Mexican Nationals “a better life”.

    This ends now if we enforce the laws.

    Bear1909 out.

  10. #10
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:49 pm, Lindsay said:

    I thank God that the deputy’s wounds do not appear to be serious.

    I have read that Arizona leads the nation in illegal alien border crossings, drug confiscations, kidnappings, and home invasions.

    The dangers are increasing:
    http://www.americanpatrol.com/_WEB2009/090207.html

    State’s Rights when the Feds fail. The new law in Arizona is the right law for all of us.

  11. #11
    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:53 pm, Hadenough said:

    Too bad El Sharptongue and Linda Roundstat weren’t on patrol with the brave officer.

  12. #12
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:23 am, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Funny, I didn’t see anything about this on the NYT’s website. But they did report three were killed in an Arkansas tornado.

    If it’s not in Obama’s interest or his left wing radical agenda, just sweep it under the rug.

  13. #13
    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:40 am, PhredE said:

    Michelle,

    Thanks for all your hard work and attention to the border security and illegal immigration stories recently. Please continue as best you can. I know, I know, it can be infuriating, ironic and even depressing at times. However, my cynicism is tempered by the fact that most Americans are finally awake regarding the issue and now prefer enforcement over lawlessness. We will endure and succeed in the end.

    I wish this was the last story I had to read about one of our law enforcement people in the border region being attacked. Sadly though, with the complicity of the do-nothing Federal Govt, I know for certain, I’ll be reading another story like this… probably in the not-too-distant future. How many more officers have to die because they are unnecessarily exposed to a danger they should never have to face?

  14. #14
    On May 1st, 2010 at 7:49 am, BOB said:

    Will someone please explain, “profiling”, to me again? So far I have determined it means that if you are looking for Mexican drug smugglers, you must not actually look for Mexican drug smugglers.

    Am I on the right track?

  15. #15
    On May 1st, 2010 at 8:22 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:00 pm, txvet2 said:

    It’s about time the cops started shooting back

    They do, we have pretty tmuch the same police training as other places; these are generally ambushes. The drug cartels are actually hiring Mexican police and army special forces trained in the United States to guard the drug shipments. The M4 rifle supplied by the United States is their preferred weapon.

    The Same Open Borders policy that gives us the flood of illegals gives us dead policeman. So when you see that funeral procession go by thank John McCain.

  16. #16
    On May 1st, 2010 at 8:54 am, Virginia Patriot said:

    We need to insist on the equal protection, application and enforcement of the law or devolve into anarchy. Our Republic only functions if everyone follows the same rules. We should not change the laws to accomodate those breaking them.

  17. #17
    On May 1st, 2010 at 8:59 am, Hulka said:

    Moments ago I received a call from my son, the Border Patrol Agent in the area, they caught three out of the five illegal aliens. . . .oh, I mean, “undocumented workers.”

    Also, not reported, a search helo in the area was fired upon by the illegal aliens.

  18. #18
    On May 1st, 2010 at 9:18 am, Hulka said:

    Tracked three to a trailer and made the takedown there. Still pushing the sign for the last two.

  19. #19
    On May 1st, 2010 at 9:21 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    they caught three out of the five illegal aliens.

    Sort of good
    I guess

    not that I would like to see the miscreants die in the desert-absolutely not

    perhaps the other two :)

  20. #20
    On May 1st, 2010 at 9:37 am, Lindsay said:

    Hulka: I hope they get them all, and they lead to more. I am tired of this invasion of our country. Heck, Michelle even wrote at book with that title years ago!

  21. #21
    On May 1st, 2010 at 9:57 am, aero said:

    John McCain, where are you?

  22. #22
    On May 1st, 2010 at 10:01 am, Virginia Patriot said:

    John McCain tells us “they’re God’s children”, we can’t possibly enforce our laws on them./sarc

  23. #23
    On May 1st, 2010 at 10:22 am, tiredofit08 said:

    More of them honest hard working people looking to feed their families…yea right…got some mystical islands for sale too….

  24. #24
    On May 1st, 2010 at 10:26 am, happyscrapper said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 10:01 am, Virginia Patriot said:
    John McCain tells us “they’re God’s children”, we can’t possibly enforce our laws on them./sarc

    I agree they are God’s children. And we should give them back to Him!!

  25. #25
    On May 1st, 2010 at 11:26 am, jsmiddleton4 said:

    I keep wondering if the left wing media is going to be held accountable for the violence it is inciting with its false reporting about our law in AZ?

  26. #26
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:10 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 11:26 am, jsmiddleton4 said:
    I keep wondering if the left wing media is going to be held accountable for the violence it is inciting with its false reporting about our law in AZ?

    Even our STUPID POTUS is lying about the law and saying “If a guy takes his children out for ice cream, he could get harrassed by the police at the ice cream store” (paraphrased). What a moron. He HAS to know what is in that bill. Yet he purposely misrepresents it to the American people. So, it isn’t just the left-wing media…it is the Leader of the Free World who is inciting our citizens to violence and possibly civil war. He is dividing us along racial lines and stoking the fires. It is all on HIS head. I so loathe that man and what he is doing, I can’t begin to find the words to explain the depth of my disgust. He MUST be stopped.

  27. #27
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:11 pm, cheapseat said:

    Didn’t the same group of politicians feed us the same crap sandwich in the Reagan Administration about amnesty for the 5 million here, but then we are going to REALLY close the border. Didn’t El Presidente Bush II try to feed us the same crap sandwich with McCains help a few years ago, but this time we were going to put up a real fence. Now Obozo wants us to take a third bite at this mess! If you want to annex the entire 3rd world into the US, you better figure out a funding source other than taxing the rich. There aren’t enough rich in the world to spread the wealth to the poor. Fact of life #1, socialists.

  28. #28
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:26 pm, happyscrapper said:

    We absolutely must build the fence first before anything else. I know they dig tunnels, etc. But a fence would take care of a lot of the problem. And not the kind of fence you see them climbing over on TV. Even with the top bent over to prevent them from getting over it, they can do it anyway. Top it with lots of barbed wire (create jobs for the barbed wire makers), put up more armed patrols and allow them to shoot at these beggers. I wonder if we could dig a moat on our side of the fence and fill it with some kind of predator. or make it so deep and wide that when you jump over the fence you land in the water. Those who can’t swim won’t try it. There are a lot of interesting possibilities if people brainstormed a bit.

  29. #29
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:28 pm, rocketman said:

    ***
    Why is a lone deputy sent into harms way? Even in Juarez, Mexico, three policemen go out together since so many single or two man patrols have been ambushed.
    ***
    It’s like sending the U.S.S. Pueblo into harms way without on site backup. It can only lead to more deaths.
    ***
    Fire the officials who send too little too late into harms way. Build the wall, provide armed helicopter gunship support when patrols go out.
    ***
    John Bibb
    ***

  30. #30
    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:53 pm, JohnnyD said:

    Build the wall, provide armed helicopter gunship support when patrols go out.
    ***
    John Bibb

    Forget the wall, ARM the drones! A few well-placed Hellfire missles out in front of these coyotes might make them think twice about where they are going. If they continue on, then send in Cobra’s to deter them further, with extreme predudice.

    Hopefully that will send a message that we take this invasion seriously.

    I know this will never happen. Even though Obama (and Congress) took an oath to protect this country from invasion, he will hem and haw until it is too late.

    God Help us all!!

  31. #31
    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:17 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Obama is “thinking” about our border protection. But, as with sending more troops to Afghanistan, he will take 6 months to ponder, then only do part of what is needed. Then, he will brag about how much he does for the American People. He is insisting that he has a plan for dealing with the border problem. We all know what that is. Amnesty for those who are already here. Yeah, that’ll do the trick. Spit.

  32. #32
    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:31 pm, mattm said:

    Obama has yet to determine if he belives the cops “acted stupidly.”

  33. #33
    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm, pueblo1032 said:

    What is a surprise to me, is the shock I am hearing out of MSM reporting this today… These are the same CARTELS that have been killing JUDGES, PROSECUTORS and FEDERAL POLICE in MEXICO for ages… Did we not believe this VIOLENCE would spill over into the USA??? We have ignored the border for 30 or 40 years… The same lanes the ILLEGALS use to get to “THE JOBS AMERICANS WON’T DO”, are the same lanes the DRUG CARTELS use to bring in the ILLEGAL DRUGS… I’ SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY!!!

  34. #34
    On May 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm, BOB said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 12:26 pm, happyscrapper said:
    We absolutely must build the fence first before anything else. I know they dig tunnels, etc. But a fence would take care of a lot of the problem. And not the kind of fence you see them climbing over on TV. Even with the top bent over to prevent them from getting over it, they can do it anyway. Top it with lots of barbed wire (create jobs for the barbed wire makers), put up more armed patrols and allow them to shoot at these beggers. I wonder if we could dig a moat on our side of the fence and fill it with some kind of predator. or make it so deep and wide that when you jump over the fence you land in the water. Those who can’t swim won’t try it. There are a lot of interesting possibilities if people brainstormed a bit.

    You are right, a really good fence might not stop every single one, but it would help one heck of a lot. We were promised a double, (border patrol vehicles driving down between the fences), very tall, razor wire topped fence that was even buried into the ground at the bottom….but that’s not what we are getting.

    And, whatever the cost is, it will be well worth it, and, of course, with illegal labor we can get it done cheaper.

  35. #35
    On May 1st, 2010 at 2:24 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm, pueblo1032 said:

    Isn’t it interesting that the MSM is “shocked” by all this stuff? Could it be because they have had their collective heads up their collective arses for so long? I do believe that is it.

  36. #36
    On May 1st, 2010 at 2:26 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Governor Brewer should demand Obama bring home the 855th MP Company and deploy them to the border. I don’t know if the 285th Aviation Battalion is deployed overseas or not but some choppers would help secure the border too and provide some backup for deputies patrolling alone.

    Why was a lone deputy dispatched on a call like this? Why didn’t he call for backup? Why do we have to put up with people crossing the border illegally and then shooting law enforcement officers! Enforce existing laws and then talk to me about reform.

    And pray for this deputy and his family…

  37. #37
    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    BOB said:
    Will someone please explain, “profiling”, to me again? So far I have determined it means that if you are looking for Mexican drug smugglers, you must not actually look for Mexican drug smugglers.

    Am I on the right track?

    No, no, no, you must randomly stop nuns and old ladies and cub scouts and give them the once over.

    This reminds me, saw an item from the UK the other day. The police were looking for two prison excapees, but were prevented by UK privacy laws from saying who they were!

    We just have to wrestle our countries back from the morons who gravitate to politics.

  38. #38
    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:05 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Why was a lone deputy dispatched on a call like this? Why didn’t he call for backup?

    Sadly, shooting an illegal alien drug lord can land you in prison. Right GWB?

  39. #39
    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:10 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Also, not reported, a search helo in the area was fired upon by the illegal aliens

    I believe you meant to say, “a search helo in the area dropped re-fried beans on the mariachi band crossing the border who had to defend themselves.”

  40. #40
    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:22 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Virtually all law enforcement is based on “profiling.” Read this and this and this for more details.

    Now, add in the fact that there is no single universally accepted definition of “racial profiling” and the concept gets more interesting. Basically, “racial profiling” is anything that a defense attorney thinks may be used to get his client off the hook…

    I suppose these leftard morons would have law enforcement strip out all ethnic and gender references from BOLOs just to avoid any possibility of “racial profiling” but it makes no sense. Then again leftards never make sense…

  41. #41
    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:42 pm, fred5676 said:

    Received through a good friend:

    By a retired lawyer friend in Arizona who received it from a border patrol agent………

    As you know, one of the local ranchers was murdered in Douglas, Arizona two weeks ago. . I received three messages similar to the one below from different officers within the Rangers and law enforcement.

    Yesterday afternoon I talked to another rancher near us who is a friend of ours and whose great grandfather started their ranch here in 1880. These are good people. He told me what really happened out at the Krentz ranch and what you won’t read in the papers. The Border Patrol is afraid of starting a small war between civilians here and the drug cartels in Mexico .

    Bob Krentz was checking his water like he does every evening and came upon an illegal who was lying on the ground telling him he was sick. Bob called the Border Patrol and asked for a medical helicopter evac. As he turned to go back to his ATV he was shot in the side. The round came from down and angled up so they know the shooter was on the ground. Bob’s firearm was in the ATV so he had no chance. Wounded he called the Cochise County Sherriff and asked for help. Bleeding in the lungs he called his brother but the line was bad so he called his wife but again the line was bad.

    Several ranchers heard the radio call and drove to his location. Bob was dead by this time. The ranchers tracked the shooter 8 miles back towards Mexico and cornered him in a brushy draw. This was all at night. The Sherriff and Border Patrol arrived and told them not to go down and engage the murderer. They went around to the back side and if you can believe it the assassin managed to get by a BP helicopter and a Sherriff’s posse and back to Mexico . So much for professional help when you need it.

    One week before the murder Bob and his brother Phil (who I shoot with) hauled a huge quantity of drugs off the ranch that they found in trucks. One week before that a rancher near Naco did the same thing. Two nights later gangs broke into his ranch house and beat him and his wife and told them that if they touched any drugs they found they would come back and kill them. The ranchers here deal with cut fences and haul drug deliveries off their ranches all the time. What ranchers think is that the drug cartels beat the one rancher and shot Bob because they wanted to send a message. Bob always gave food and water to illegals and so they think they sent the assassin to pose as an illegal who was hungry and thirsty knowing it would catch Bob off guard.

    What is going on down here is NOT being reported. You need to tell people how bad it is along the border. Texas is worse. Near El Paso it’s in a state of war. 5000 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez last year and it’s over 2000 so far this year. Gun sales down here are through the roof and I get emails from people wanting firearms training.

    Something has to be done but I don’t hold out much hope. These gangs have groups in almost every city in the US . Please read below. This is serious business. The Barrio Azteca and their sub gangs are like Mexican Corporations and organized extremely well. If this doesn’t get dealt with down here you guys will deal with it on your streets.

  42. #42
    On May 1st, 2010 at 4:19 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 3:42 pm, fred5676 said:

    Wow!! This story needs to get out!! I have sent it to a bunch in my address book. The truth must be heard! We are at war with the Mexican Drug Cartel…but Obama isn’t willing to fight it. So they are winning by default. Obama and the Dept. of Homeland Security are derelict in their main duty of protecting the homeland. This crap has to stop. What part of treason don’t they understand? If they are not against the druggers, they are WITH them! Cuff em, book em, put them in the cages and throw away the keys.

  43. #43
    On May 1st, 2010 at 4:36 pm, happyscrapper said:

    I am still incredibly angry at how Bush treated Ramos and Compean. In fact, that is when I totally turned against him and decided he was no better than Clinton.

  44. #44
    On May 1st, 2010 at 4:46 pm, graysonret said:

    I pray for those who live near the border and are fighting a war that the government refuses to acknowledge. It’s pretty obvious what side they are on.

  45. #45
    On May 1st, 2010 at 5:37 pm, Hulka said:

    Fred,
    I understand the emotion, but I suggest caution here (“if you can believe it the assassin managed to get by a BP helicopter and a Sherriff’s posse and back to Mexico . So much for professional help when you need it.”)

    There is no way to tell if the shooter was there when the BP arrived. They may have thought they trapped him, but unless they had eye-ons the entire time, they don’t know.

    The BP are experts in tracking and pursuing in the desert. It is their office, after all.

    Helos have limits on their capabilities. Fully fund and upgrade the helos they have. In the meantime, even BP Agents in the field don’t really count on them.

    The BP face the same dangers the ranger did, but more so in many ways, as they actively seek contact and actively engage in takedowns. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/port_activities/weekly_blotter/apr_19_23.xml

    The BP, too, are hurt and killed by the bad guys. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/border_patrol/border_patrol_officer_memorial/

    And the BP faces down the Mexican Army here in US territory. Over 200 times in the last 10yrs.

    Again, I understand the emotion but it is a disservice to attack the dedication, bravery and skill of the BP.

  46. #46
    On May 1st, 2010 at 5:51 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 2:24 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm, pueblo1032 said:

    Isn’t it interesting that the MSM is “shocked” by all this stuff? Could it be because they have had their collective heads up their collective arses for so long? I do believe that is it.

    Pretty amazing, considering that I have a couple of folders full of media reports on that very subject, all dating back over the past several years – I’d begun saving them as research for a story (fiction).

    I guess the media don’t read their own reports – or they have very short memories. :shock:

  47. #47
    On May 1st, 2010 at 6:29 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Pretty amazing, considering that I have a couple of folders full of media reports on that very subject, all dating back over the past several years – I’d begun saving them as research for a story (fiction).

    Hey “Stranger”…you are writing a fiction book? Good for you! I have written one too! A murder mystery with a genealogy twist. Just needs a bit of tweaking and I might try to self-publish. Good luck with yours!

  48. #48
    On May 1st, 2010 at 6:30 pm, happyscrapper said:

    I am off to my Great-Niece’s dance program. Have a good evening, everyone.

  49. #49
    On May 1st, 2010 at 6:31 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    Have a lovely evening, Happy! :-D

  50. #50
    On May 1st, 2010 at 6:40 pm, rightisright said:

    “Even our STUPID POTUS is lying about…”

    That’s all he does, is lie, everything out his mouth is a lie motivated by Marxist politics. I don’t say that because I’m a sour graped, bible packing, gun carrying, red neck, it’s the truth…oh yeah, that too.

    Prepare people, it’s going to get ugly.

  51. #51
    On May 1st, 2010 at 7:07 pm, rightisright said:

    This illegal invasion is a farce which can be stopped almost over nite if the politicians wanted to stop it. All they have to do is enforce the laws on the books, we don’t need no steekin’ new laws, then make every employee pass E-verify, any employer caught with illegals working for them gets hit with heavy fines the 1st time. possibly they get a 2nd try to do it right, after that they get prison time, that means in most states over a year to be served. The illegals will self deport, so Juan stop saying we can’t round ‘em up and deported ‘em, we don’t have to deport ‘em you liar.
    If Hayworth was to pound the proposed McAmnesty/Kennedy amnesty bill can’t help but win in Nov. Go after every other RINO or dem that supports amnesty of any kind the same way, clean house before it’s too late.

  52. #52
    On May 1st, 2010 at 7:12 pm, RedDog said:

    Send in the Marines with a dozen Strykers and the problem will be solved in short order. Sooner or later the vaunted fourth estate will come around and stop being a fifth column for the Marxists. Better late than never. Not good to be a domestic enemy of America right now.

  53. #53
    On May 1st, 2010 at 7:18 pm, tiredofit08 said:

    On April 30th, 2010 at 11:11 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Armed Predators and Apaches are a good supplement to deputies.

    as is live fire exercises by joint forces..

  54. #54
    On May 1st, 2010 at 7:40 pm, graysonret said:

    as is live fire exercises by joint forces..

    Declare areas of the border, as military proving grounds and artillery ranges.

  55. #55
    On May 1st, 2010 at 8:34 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    It is very difficult to believe that BP helicopters are NOT equipped with FLIR. And if they are it is virtually unbelievable that a suspect “eluded” such an equipped helicopter.

    If Fred’s story is accurate and from a reliable source then something else was going on. It is VERY DIFFICULT to hide from FLIR in the desert at night…

  56. #56
    On May 1st, 2010 at 9:32 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Sooner or later the vaunted fourth estate will [never] come around and stop being a fifth column for the Marxists.

    Sorry, had to edit that for you…

  57. #57
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 am, fred5676 said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 5:37 pm, Hulka said:

    Fred,
    I understand the emotion, but I suggest caution here (“if you can believe it the assassin managed to get by a BP helicopter and a Sherriff’s posse and back to Mexico . So much for professional help when you need it.”)
    ….
    Again, I understand the emotion but it is a disservice to attack the dedication, bravery and skill of the BP.

    You misunderstood the comment – the job of the BP is impossible because of POLITICIANS!! G. W. Bush, McCain, Obama, Napolitano, ad nauseum.

    The pathetic story had one slight dig at one BP operation after his FRIEND was murdered and the murderer got away. You misplace your concern.

  58. #58
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 7:21 am, aero said:

    ‘Fair and balanced’ FOX news reported on radio Saturday: An Arizona deputy was allegedly shot by suspected MARIUANNA SMUGGLERS. No other ‘details’ about the suspected smugglers were reported by the ‘fair and balanced’ network.

    That is par for the FAUX news network. Note to FAUX: You are making yourself irrelevant.

  59. #59
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 7:32 am, Hulka said:

    On May 1st, 2010 at 8:34 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    They do have FLIR, but their system isn’t as reliable, and the desert scrub makes tracking bodies rather difficult. Can be done, but difficult.

    Something else going on? I have no idea what you are alluding to, there.

  60. #60
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 am, WarEagle82 said:

    Hulka,

    I have seen FLIR imagery of suspects hiding in many types of terrain at night and it is almost impossible NOT to notice a human even if he is hiding in heavy biomass.

    The desert cools down very quickly at night and a human at 98 degrees shows up like a spot light on almost every FLIR image I have ever seen.

    Either the suspect(s) were long gone by the time the helicopter got there or the helicopter allowed the suspect(s) to get away. That is the “something else” I alluded to. I don’t see any other option other than total equipment failure or unimaginable incompetence on the part of the helicopter crew.

  61. #61
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 am, Hulka said:

    Agree they were gone before the helo arrived, and like you, I have seen (from the ground and the air), FLIR, but unlike you, I have seen how easy it is in scrub terrain to conceal.

    Watching FLIR vids on many engagements, as well as flying and targeting using FLIR, not all is easy all the time.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtGtVWvaSxc
    In this engagement, about the 3:00 point, shows how hard it may be to find hot-spots.

    I would NEVER accuse or infer the CBP crews of letting bad guys get away. That is an accusation that attacks the basic honesty, integrity and professionalism of the CBP and BP Agents.

    Therefore, it is beyond me to think that CBP and BP would coordinate a deception to “allow” murdering illegals get away, the same type of murdering thugs that would murder them (and their brother officers) as well.

    You are free to think otherwise.

  62. #62
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 am, Hulka said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 am, fred5676 said:

    Like I said, I understand the emotion. But the rant did unfairly attack the BP and CBP. The rant was unfair.

  63. #63
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 10:21 am, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Pretty amazing, considering that I have a couple of folders full of media reports”

    Do you line your walls with aluminum foil and lock your frig so no one can poison your food?

  64. #64
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am, BOB said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 7:21 am, aero said:
    ‘Fair and balanced’ FOX news reported on radio Saturday: An Arizona deputy was allegedly shot by suspected MARIUANNA SMUGGLERS. No other ‘details’ about the suspected smugglers were reported by the ‘fair and balanced’ network.

    That is par for the FAUX news network. Note to FAUX: You are making yourself irrelevant.

    Good point about Fox News becoming irrelevant. Apparently they have been neutered by the Obama administration.

    There used to be a comparison of various news show ratings posted occasionally at Drudge. I haven’t seen it there lately, but I have a feeling Fox News is losing viewers.

  65. #65
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm, happyscrapper said:

    “Pretty amazing, considering that I have a couple of folders full of media reports”

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 10:21 am, jsmiddleton4 said:
    Do you line your walls with aluminum foil and lock your frig so no one can poison your food?

    Why did you make that nasty crack? Just curious. Did you not read where she said she was writing a fiction novel? That is why she is collecting those media reports. Your comment was uncalled for.

  66. #66
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Your comment was uncalled for.”

    Then I’m glad I didn’t ask about those black silent helicopters then.

  67. #67
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm, fred5676 said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 am, Hulka said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 am, fred5676 said:

    Like I said, I understand the emotion. But the rant did unfairly attack the BP and CBP. The rant was unfair.

    What the HECK are you so preoccupied about??

    The comments (not mine) by the friend of the victim were amazingly objective and UN-emotional except for this one dig: “So much for professional help when you need it.”

    In 7 long paragraphs you are focused on a single sentence?? Why not go write a letter of complaint to your elected representatives instead of complaining about the “rant” (sic) of a grieving friend?

    Go complain about the political correctness of the BP hierarchy and the politicians who demand it, not someone who lost a friend, not for lack of BP agents risking their lives, but because of the POLITICIANS!

  68. #68
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:
    “Your comment was uncalled for.”

    Then I’m glad I didn’t ask about those black silent helicopters then.

    But why say it? It was snarky. And if you read the whole post, you know why she has those folders. You usually make brighter comments than that. It was beneath you.

  69. #69
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:11 pm, moonshot said:

    Violence is not up on Arizona border despite Mexican drug war

    Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/02/20100502arizona-border-violence-mexico.html#ixzz0mnTOt3V5

  70. #70
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:25 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Violence is not up on Arizona border despite Mexican drug war”

    Sorry but that is incorrect. That’s some bad reporting there.

  71. #71
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “you know why she has those folders.”

    Yes. And she’s probably keeping track of shuttle missions too. Well, at least did.

  72. #72
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    This is ridiculous and you know it. :roll: Re-read her post. Then, let’s drop it. You obviously have an issue with that poster, for whatever reason.

  73. #73
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 4:06 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Thanks, happy.

  74. #74
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm, Hulka said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm, fred5676 said

    Your position is that that no one should defend the brave men that (by your own statement) are not supported by their “leadership.”

    Got it.

    Have a nice day.

  75. #75
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm, cheapseat said:

    One observation, when a cop was shot over 200 police complete with helicopters and dogs were sent to capture the dastardly miscreants. When a rancher was killed, the police were not out with helicopters dogs and every cop south of Phoenix. Clearly a case of those who matter and those who don’t. We mere citizens are just the piggy banks our revenue agents shake.

  76. #76
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “you know why she has those folders.”

    For the record, the “folders” refer to virtual file folders, not hardcopy manila folders – certain news stories have been “filed” using Digolet (which used to be Furl).

    Sorry you can’t seem to grasp the concept of a writer who actually does research instead of just making stuff up out of whole cloth.

  77. #77
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “refer to virtual file folders”

    Well then, that’s a horse of a different color.

  78. #78
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    Now on to more important things.

    Did some research today on the Tohono O’odham Nation and their problems with smuggling and being routes for illegal immigration. Wow. Talk about a huge mess. Maybe the AZ law will bring attention to the entire border with Mexico including those part that run through the Tohono O’odham Nation.

  79. #79
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm, Hulka said:

    Good call, JS, and much of the TO Nation are active participants in the smuggling activities, human and drug.

  80. #80
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 6:40 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Sorry you can’t seem to grasp the concept”

    It has been an interesting conversation in your own head to watch however.

  81. #81
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 7:38 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Hulka,

    I don’t know what video you were watching but the link you posted on YouTube.com was about as clear as it gets. The chopper followed the automobile with ease. I clearly saw three people exit the vehicle and run. I saw the first one collared and the other two take off. And then the chopper picked up those two people within a few seconds and it looks like they vectored other officers to make the collar on them. The suspects NEVER had a chance of eluding that FLIR equipped chopper in that YouTube video. And it wasn’t difficult to acquire the suspects after the chopper came back to the intitial collar.

    We all know how management “supported” Ramos and Compean. It is not difficult to imagine management was equally like-minded in this instance since it was only a US citizen who was gunned down by thugs…

    The suspects may have been gone when the chopper arrived. But if the chopper had functional FLIR and trained operators the suspects did not elude them. I don’t think the Mexican cartels are that well trained in E&E. You are free to conclude otherwise if you like…

  82. #82
    On May 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said: Sorry you can’t seem to grasp the concept of a writer who actually does research instead of just making stuff up out of whole cloth.

    WS…when I wrote my novel, I had actual file folders with various areas of research. I researched the weather in Wisconsin in the summerof 1984. I researched when the typewriter was invented. And, I researched the lumber industry in Wisconsin in the 1890′s. I drew various maps and laid out the small town in my book so it became real to me. A book, even a fictional novel, requires authenticity. For JSMiddleton’s information, if you make up “facts”, the publisher will throw your book in the garbage. Details are important. No tin foil hats here…or at Stranger’s house either!

  83. #83
    On May 3rd, 2010 at 10:25 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    WarEagle82 said:

    It is very difficult to believe that BP helicopters are NOT equipped with FLIR.

    Some NJ state police helicopters are so equipped as 20 years ago. I’ve seen one in person. The trooper was kind enough to demo it for us one night when we were waiting around on the ramp. Worked very well. Boggles the mind that the BP wouldn’t have it on every helo. Probably one of the most useful tools to have , if the goal is to actually apprehend someone.

  84. #84
    On May 3rd, 2010 at 10:32 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    Probably one of the most useful tools to have , if the goal is to actually apprehend someone.

    and what I mean by that is not a crack on the BP, but a crack on those in gov’t that might not allow it in their budget, or enough units. But it seems like they have FLIR at their disposal.

    Any idea how rocky terrain would appear at night if it was heated in the sun all day? I suspect if the rocks haven’t cooled down, they could interfere.

  85. #85
    On May 3rd, 2010 at 11:16 am, Hulka said:

    On May 2nd, 2010 at 7:38 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    About the 3min point the thugs were in the brush and hard to detect, if not already seen by the BP Agents. If the thugs remained where they were with no foot pursuit, would be hard to find them.

    Last night there was a drug smuggling re-supply vehicle that entered AZ from Mexico. These vehicles are used by the drug smugglers to bring food and water to “spotters” buried in the mountains as they help located BP Agents and direct drug smugglers around them.

    The vehicle was tracked by the MSS and the Horse Patrol Unit my son works in went after it. The vehicle was intercepted and the driver tried to run over the BP Agent. The Agent fired off a few rounds and four smugglers were captured.

    This type of violence is almost common-place on the border and as long as we have weak jerks in congress, and their enablers in the media and our own State Department, the violence will continue.

  86. #86
    On May 3rd, 2010 at 11:14 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Hulka,

    I looked at the link you provided and at no time was it difficult to see the suspects. There were a few seconds when the final two suspects were not visible because they were off-screen but the FLIR operator had no trouble re-acquiring the suspects and did so within seconds. Their location was NEVER in doubt based on this footage. FLIR is damned hard to hide from and nearly impossible to do so even in thick brush.

    And I have never argued that the borders were secure and that violence there wasn’t the norm.

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