People who illegally cross into the United States from Mexico have found success in crossing the border where the land is either privately owned or consists of national forests, national monuments, wilderness areas, reservations and wildlife refuges. Many of those areas are protected by laws that make it more difficult for border patrol agents to secure the border – in some cases – preventing them from using motorized vehicles. On Friday – the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on H.R. 1505 – the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act. In his testimony – Dr. Gary Thrasher – a rancher and veterinarian from southern Arizona – called the bill an important piece of legislation needed to protect the sovereignty and security of the border region, its federal lands and refuges, as well as the nation’s security.

Thrasher said the situation is growing more serious. He added that those like him – who live and work in remote smuggling corridors – are left the most vulnerable. He says they are confronted with threats; damage and destruction of property; theft; break-ins; and serious disruption of necessary ranch work almost daily. Thrasher said there has also been severe environmental degradation on these lands.

The legislation would allow U.S. Border Patrol immediate access to federal lands and the ability to construct and maintain roads and place surveillance equipment in strategic areas to assist in detecting and apprehending criminals.