SWIA Opposes Border Fence Plan Proposed by INS

The INS (Immigration & Naturalization Service) is poised to build a Double Border Fence that will devastate the sensitive environment of the Tijuana River Valley and will irreparably damage our relationship with our friends and neighbors in Mexico.

The Tijuana River Valley, Border Highlands and the Tijuana Estuary comprise an integrated ecological system that is home to numerous rare and endangered species and is a resting/feeding ground for 320 species of migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. The area offers significant open space within a bi-national megalopolis and is an important recreation area for many people. Unique archaeological and cultural resources and the area’s significant geographic location – the most southwesterly corner of the continental United States – make it an important asset for all American people.

The magnitude of the cut and fill proposed for the fence is totally unacceptable. We are concerned that the alteration of natural landscapes, slope stability and sediment production will create untenable problems in the Border Highlands, the Tijuana River Valley and its estuary.

The planned culverts at Smuggler’s Gulch, during heavy rain events, will produce devastating, sediment-laden, fast-flowing waters entering the Tijuana River Valley. Additionally, if the planned culverts under the massive earth structure in Smuggler’s Gulch become obstructed during a major rain event, it could create a dam effect on the Mexican side. Mounting flood waters could cause the failure of the “dam” resulting in catastrophic flooding in the Tijuana River Valley -jeopardizing lives, property, habitat, and years of wetlands restoration work.

The Border Monument at Friendship Park atop the mesa in Border Field State Park marks the point where the United States of Mexico and the United States of America meet. We are concerned that the proposed fence alternatives will forever destroy this bi-national treasure.

• One good fence that follows the contour of the land at least for this last 3.5 miles of fence will prevent the drastic alterations of a fragile landform that supports sensitive habitat and endangered species.

• One good fence will preserve the irreplaceable archaeological sites that were the foundation of this region’s proud history.

• One good fence will safeguard vanishing precious open space and parklands for our families and children to enjoy for countless generations.