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MEXICAN BORDER
Noncitizen arrests plummet
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
ZAPATA COUNTY FIRE
Department receives $20K grant and vehicle
By Alicia A. Caldwell A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
WASHINGTON — Arrests of people caught trying to sneak into the United States across the Mexican border plummeted in March to the lowest monthly figure in more than 17 years, the head of the Department of Homeland Security reported. That’s a likely sign that fewer immigrants are trying to make the trek into the United States. Secretary John Kelly said the steep decline in arrests is “no accident” and credited President Donald Trump’s approach to illegal immigration. Kelly reported the figures in written testimony submitted to a Senate committee ahead of an appearance Wednesday. The Associated Press obtained a copy of his testimony. Though the Trump administration has not yet changed how the border is patrolled, the president’s tough talk on immigration — including plans to build a border wall — and his stepped-up arrests of immigrants living in the country illegally have likely acted as deterrents. It’s unclear if the declines will continue. The number of people caught trying to enter the United States typically increases as the weather warms. Arrests during the normally slower winter months were higher than in past years. It is possible that some migrants rushed to the border after the election and before Trump took office. It’s also unclear if migrants are waiting south of the border to see how Trump’s border Noncitizen continues on A11
Courtesy
This picture shows the side view of the military vehicle received by Zapata County Fire and EMS. The vehicle will allow the department to handle wildland fires.
The grant and truck were administered by Texas A&M Foster Service SPECIAL TO THE TIME S
T Courtesy
This picture shows the military vehicle received by Zapata County Fire and EMS.
he Zapata County Fire and EMS received a 5-ton cargo truck and a $20,000 grant to help create a firefighting vehicle that will help increase the department’s capacity to save lives and property. “This truck is vital to the Zapata County Fire & EMS,”
said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Travis Pecht. “Their mutual aid department is 40 miles away which means response takes valuable time when traveling so far. This 5-ton truck and slip-on unit will be crucial to containing grass fires and protecting homes.” Zapata County Fire and Department continues on A12
BORDER PROTECTION
Wall contractors brace for hostile environment By Elliot Spagat ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Gregory Bull / AP
Reverend Guy A. Leemhuis, center, of the Holy Faith Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, leads a song on the U.S. side of the border fence separating Tijuana, Mexico on Monday in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO — One potential bidder on President Donald Trump’s border wall with Mexico wanted to know if authorities would rush to help if workers came under “hostile attack.” Another asked if employees can carry firearms in states with strict gun control laws and if the government would indemnify them for
using deadly force. With bids due Tuesday on the first design contracts, interested companies are preparing for the worst if they get the potentially lucrative job. A U.S. official with knowledge of the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details haven’t been made public said four to 10 bidders are expected to be chosen to build prototypes. They will be constructed on
a roughly quarter-mile (400meter) strip of federally owned land in San Diego within 120 feet (37 meters) of the border, though a final decision has not been made on the precise spot, the official said. The government anticipates spending $200,000 to $500,000 on each prototype. The process for bids and prototypes are preliminary steps for a project that will Border continues on A12