Border Patrol releases border activity figures

Federal border agencies are still touting additional manpower and infrastructure as lead reasons why illegal activity has decreased between Mexico and the United States.

According to the U.S. Border Patrol Yuma sector, increases in agent presences and tactical infrastructure have contributed to the following strides:

- Addition of 70 new agents.

- Construction of 50 miles of tactical infrastructure projects including triple-layer border fence, vehicle barriers, high-intensity stadium lighting and all-weather roads.

- A 68 percent decrease in apprehensions to 35,800 between Oct. 1, 2006, and July 31 from 112,900 during the same period the year prior.

- A 59 percent reduction in deaths to 11 between Oct. 1, 2006, and July 31 from 27 during the same period the year prior.

- An 82 percent reduction in rescues to 57 between Oct. 1, 2006, and July 31 from 316 during the same period the year prior.

- Drive-through traffic decreased by 50 percent to 501 reported between Oct. 1, 2006, and July 31 from 1,000 reported during the same period the year prior.

- Marijuana seizures decreased 3 percent from 43,500 pounds worth about $34.8 million to 42,000 pounds worth about $33.7 million during the federal agency's fiscal year.

However, violence against agents has risen from 130 reported incidents in fiscal year 2006 to 180 incidents.