OPEN U.S.-MEXICO BORDER IS KILLING AMERICANS

You know the scenario: If you say anything negative about those people crossing our border from Mexico without documentation, you’re automatically a racist, bigoted, anti-immigration jingoist.

Have a nice day. Critics leave no room for discussion.

Remember Rob Krentz?They also leave no room for facts, figures or truth.

You probably don’t. Media ignore news events that challenge their preconceived ideas – in this case, the reality of illegal aliens crossing the border into the U.S. from Mexico and endangering the lives and property of American citizens.

Do you know about the public meeting about border security in Animas, New Mexico, two weeks ago?

Probably not. It’s another of those inconvenient news events that media ignore. I credit the Arizona Range News, which gave it front-page attention.

More than 500 people attended – American citizens, primarily from New Mexico and Arizona, concerned about their safety while living and having businesses along the border. They told their horror stories and wanted their experiences to be acknowledged by elected officials and to find out what will be done to make things safer.

Rob Krentz was a rancher whose land is along the border in Arizona. His family still is there, as they have been for more than 50 years.

On March 27, 2010, he was checking on ranch equipment when he saw someone on his property. He told his son by telephone that he was going to see if he could be of help to the person.

That was the last anyone heard from him.

Rob Krentz was shot dead by that illegal alien, who also shot his dog and then ran back across the border.

Sue Krentz and her son, Frank, spoke at the meeting about that murder and what they face daily.

Rob Krentz was known for helping illegals crossing their ranch, and over years, he had given them food and water when needed.

But that’s changed.

Frank Krentz told the meeting: “We approached them as Christians, even after we had our house broken into, our vehicles and things stolen, our waterline broken. But after losing my father, all that has changed. We don’t put ourselves in situations where we risk getting hurt.”

Sue Krentz said 1,500 people have been killed by illegals since her husband died. She emphasized that the border needs to be secured – not by new laws, but by enforcement of existing laws.

A short video to the group showed that in 2015, the Border Patrol seized 1.6 million pounds of marijuana and cocaine. There were 17,500 Border Patrol agents in the Southwest area. At least 331,000 Mexican citizens and 143,000 “other than Mexicans” were apprehended crossing the border.

There were no details as to how many of those were released into our country and not tracked.

Tricia Elbrock told of one of her employees kidnapped by illegals. The man was finally released, but the truck and all the tools and equipment were stolen, valued at thousands of dollars.

Her family owns a water system and septic service company serving ranchers, farmers and homeowners. Such problems with illegals raise their workman’s comp and insurance costs. As that continues, businesses face failure impacting the local economy.

She said an FBI agent asked her why she lives there.

Her response: “This is home. We’re not going to let drug cartels push us out.”

Another speaker was Lawrence Hurt, a rancher for more than 32 years on the New Mexico border with Mexico. He said he had 200-head of cattle stolen across the border, his house broken into with much stolen, including guns.

He added that his brother was accosted by Mexican police. “He wasn’t killed, but we’ve seen the very real possibility.”

Hurt said they used to see people looking for jobs, and they would give them food and water.

“But now, we keep our distance,” he said. “Drugs seem to be increasing, and there’s regular foot traffic and a lot of damage to our ranch.”

A large-animal veterinarian, Dr. Gary Thrasher, practicing in the area since 1973, spoke of dozens of diseases that can enter the country, causing health issues for people (contracting bovine TB, for example) as well as for farmers, ranchers and dairy operations. He said such disease intrusions could ruin our economy.

There was support for the Border Patrol and the sheriffs but discontent with the federal government and its enforcement restrictions. The people want enforcement on the border, not 60 miles inland, where much of the damage is already done.

Elbrock was specific: “We don’t need sensors – it takes too long to respond. We need to double the horse patrol and patrol with helicopters and hound dogs to root them out. This is a war on drugs – put the military out there. And work together with Border Patrol and the state police.”

According to Sue Krentz, “We are now witnessing brutal mob behavior, and many have no intent to assimilate into the community.

“When we asked for better security on the border, we’re told security is not to be expected.

“Families on the border? Our lives are expendable.”

The group had a list of what they want done, but it all comes down to proper border enforcement of our laws with people on the border to do it.

As it stands now, Washington ignores the situation. Consider: Hillary Clinton calls the border “secure.”

Washington tells American citizens they don’t matter.

Tricia Elbrock had advice: “If your elected officials say they think the border is secure, don’t vote for them.”

Sue Krentz summed it up: “We have experienced a tragedy that has changed our lives and the history of our families forever. Secure the border for my family and your family and our community and our country. We are demanding the right to live free and safe on our own land and in our own homes.”

Amen.