Local 2544 Membership Meetings are on the Second Wednesday of Every Even Month - 6 p.m. - Union Office

Questions, comments, and concerns can be sent to local2544@gmail.com

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We are the largest local in the Border Patrol. Our voluntary membership rate is approximately 94% of eligible bargaining unit members in the Tucson Sector. We have nearly 3,000 dues-paying members.

Our members are the real border security experts.

We are proud to represent Arizona!

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Collective Bargaining Agreement

Memorial Page for Victims of Illegal Aliens

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More Nasty Attacks on Governor Brewer

8-18-10 Governor Brewer's opponents have once again resorted to vile name-calling instead of intelligently debating the issues in a civil manner. It has become standard fare for pro-illegal alien groups to immediately label anyone who wants our immigration laws enforced as a "racist". They do this with absolutely no foundation, and they will even call hispanic Americans "racist" if they oppose illegal immigration. They almost never have a logical argument against enforcing our laws, so they resort to name-calling. Some Brewer opponents have now labeled her "Satan's Whore". These photos were taken today in Tucson. We hope that the people who did this are caught and prosecuted. Kudos to Governor Brewer for taking a stand against illegal immigration and the rule of law.

All photographs are property of Local 2544 and may be used without permission.

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Beginning Price Tag for Amnesty - $600 million

Photo: Washington Times

8-13-10 Democrats such as NY Senator Charles Schumer believe that passage of a $600 million border security bill now clears the way to begin legalizing illegal aliens in this country. This is another symptom of a government that is completely out of touch with the people it represents. Spending taxpayer money to keep illegal aliens out of this country, while encouraging more illegal aliens to come to this country with another amnesty program simply makes no sense and should be firmly rejected by any American with common sense. To think that Senator Schumer, and others like him, really want the borders brought under control is naive. They want illegal aliens naturalized so they can register millions of Democratic voters. It's that simple.

How about this simple logic. Enforce the law, bring the border under control, and insist that people from other countries who want to come here do so by following the rules instead of cutting to the front of the line. Rewarding millions of lawbreakers encourages more lawlessness. Need proof? Look at the 1986 amnesty program, and ask how successful it was in solving the problem. The problem it was supposed to solve is much worse now. To think that a much larger amnesty program 20-plus years later is going to solve anything for the next 20 years is foolish.

We welcome the help this bill will provide. We reject the sellout that is apparently attached to the bill.

Read an article from the Washington Times here.

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Parts of SB 1070 Halted by one Federal Judge

8-8-10 Judge Susan Bolton has decided that important parts of SB 1070 need to be shelved. We are constantly amazed that the overwhelming will of millions of people and those they elect to enact laws can be instantly overridden by one person in a black robe because of that person's opinion and political views. For instance, when someone like Judge Bolton decides that laws requiring aliens to actually carry their alien registration card are not important, she simply issues an opinion and puts a stop to that part of the law. Any citizen in this country who drives a car MUST carry their driver's license and insurance card with them. Legal aliens are no different. They come here under a set of rules, and one of those rules is that they MUST carry their alien registration cards with them at all times. But Judge Bolton has independently decided that this rule isn't important, so she put a stop to it at the state level with the stroke of a pen.

When your Federal government, including the President of the United States and our Attorney General, goes out of its way to impede the enforcement of immigration laws after decades of proof that the Federal government cannot secure our borders, it presents a serious problem. Arizona should not have to be dealing with millions of illegal aliens crossing through the state in the first place. Phoenix should not be the kidnapping capital of America and #2 in the world. Innocent Americans should not be victimized by illegal aliens who shouldn't even be in this country. Arizona only resorted to SB 1070 out of desperation and its exasperation with the Federal government's unwillingness to secure the border, and who can blame them?

It continues to be disgraceful that we have thousands of Border Patrol agents putting their lives on the line to stop illegal immigration, while politicians sell us out and too often side with the lawbreakers. 8 USC 1325 makes every illegal alien in the United States a criminal. Perhaps this Administration can find a Federal judge to decide that this law should be wiped off the books as well.  

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$50 Million in BP Funds "Extorted" by Dept. of Interior

6-23-10 No money for overtime, no money to hire more agents, but $50 million to give Dept. of Interior so we can patrol the border. No word yet on whether Dept. of Interior will charge illegal aliens and smugglers a fee to traverse and destroy the lands they manage. Illegal aliens and smugglers don't care how much damage they do, they have no respect for our criminal laws, much less about littering or starting forest fires. We are constantly saddled with being mini-environmentalists in addition to trying not to get shot and patrolling the border. Agents in the past have been ordered to pick up trash left behind by illegal aliens (bright idea of former CPA David Aguilar, who wanted to turn Border Patrol agents into sanitation workers).

Read the latest story here.

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Arizona Republic and "Reporter" Dennis Wagner Declare in a "News" Article that the Border Cannot be Secured

6-20-10 This is the type of thing we have come to expect from many "news" outlets. Instead of reporting "news", they publish political activist opinion pieces and call them "news". This "reporter" is so far off base that it is almost comical. For instance, he concludes that there is no way our border can be secured, and compares the border to a jail. He reasons that even jails have escapes, and can never be declared "secure". Therefore, the demands for a "secure" border are fantasies and are only designed to hold up what he considers "immigration reform". Amnesty does not work. We already tried it. It was an unmitigated disaster. It is shameful that this is what passes for a "news" story these days in what is supposed to be a mainstream "news"paper. Lewis and Clark cracked the western frontier, and we sent a man to the moon, but according to Dennis Wagner and the Arizona Republic, there is no way to secure our borders. We disagree. It can be done, and much more quickly than people think.

Read the "news" story here.

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This Should Dissuade Them From Coming

Oh, the horrors. Commit a crime, take a cooking class and eat from the fresh vegetable bar. Or for the more serious felons, perhaps enjoy a game of "bingo", while being "guarded" by a "unit manager". A fresh chocolate mint on your pillow, anyone? Welcome to Janet Napolitano's version of jail. Click here.

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Another Agent Attacked With Rocks - Mexico Then Attacks the Agent for Defending Himself

06-09-10 The government of Mexico is so anxious to blame Border Patrol agents for these rock attacks and the resultant shootings that they make outrageous statements, but they forget that we often have access to video and other proof that dismantles their hysterical claims. Once again, an agent comes under attack with rocks, and according to the open-borders fanatics and the Mexican government he is supposed to either run away or allow himself to be pummeled and possibly killed. It doesn't work that way. We are issued weapons to defend ourselves for a reason.

Throwing rocks and other items at Border Patrol agents is not some innocent little game. It's extremely dangerous, and we have the proof. We have a long list of agents who have been severely injured, disabled, and harmed by rock attacks. The Mexican government should spend more time cleaning up their country and dissuading their people from committing the criminal act of border jumping. They should spend more time and effort educating their people about the perils of attacking Border Patrol agents with rocks, tires, concrete, or anything else that can severely injure or kill.

Let's not forget, if these assailants are successful in knocking an agent out with a rock or some other projectile, they have access to the agent's weapons, vehicle, and two-way radio. Once an agent is immobilized they can do anything they want with the agent, including killing him. We recently had an agent brutally murdered on the border in California after an attack. He left behind a wife and two small children. Tell his family that we should not have the right to defend ourselves.

Here are recent pictures of a Border Patrol agent who was attacked with rocks. He received lacerations, broken bones, and had to undergo surgery to repair the damage. He could have easily lost an eye or been killed. Don't fall for the hysteria of the open-borders crowd and the Mexican government. They just want us to stop patrolling the border because they want endless illegal immigration. Our country cannot afford that any more. Our agents pay the price for this out-of-control border mess every single day, and we are not the bad guys. The politicians who pander to illegal aliens and endlessly talk about amnesty and a "path to citizenship" should be ashamed. They simply encourage more illegal aliens to jump the border, which inevitably leads to more violence.

Agent assaulted with rocks and other items in March of 2010. Severe lacerations, broken bones, and surgery to repair damage.

Here is the "rock" that hit him in the face.

Broken out window of this patrol vehicle was the result of a motorcycle tire/wheel assembly that was launched at an agent.

Don't think projectiles like this are dangerous? This could have seriously injured or killed an agent. To those who say we shouldn't defend ourselves against such attacks, spend a day in our shoes before you judge so harshly.

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Another Boondoggle - Millions Wasted

6-5-10 Update: ICE honchos are now calling this waste of money a "humanitarian" effort. They also expect to spend $18 million this year. All they are doing is enabling illegal aliens by giving them the option of a free flight to Mexico City instead of the usual 10-yard walk across the border. Americans should be outraged about their tax dollars being wasted like this. The federal government is great at creating "programs". It never seems to matter if the "program" is ultimately successful at solving anything. If it looks good, and if they can use slick phrases like "disrupting the smuggling networks" and "humanitarian gesture", they will generally succeed in fooling the American people in the short term. Meanwhile, in the real world (the world that exists outside of Washington, D.C.), the border is still a sieve, millions of criminals are crossing our borders without inspection, in violation of a criminal statute known as 8 USC 1325, and we see absolutely no sign that this Administration is willing to enforce our immigration laws. To the contrary, they seem intent on "disrupting the law enforcement network" that has been put in place to ENFORCE the law.

6-3-10 Instead of hiring more ICE agents to actually enforce the law, our leaders are once again funding a program to VOLUNTARILY fly illegal aliens to Mexico City at a cost of nearly $600 each. Translation: Illegal aliens who decide they don't want to get back to the interior of Mexico on their own have the option of a nice ride on an airliner, free of cost, courtesy of the United States taxpayer. Many of these planes will make the trip 1/2 full. The American taxpayers get soaked again. This program has been a joke since its inception. When it was first announced some years back we were hopeful that illegal aliens who made repeated illegal entries would be ordered on a plane and sent to Mexico City. But our hopes were misplaced. The Mexican government insisted that the "interior repatriations" be voluntary, and as usual, our politicians kowtowed to them and agreed.

Six million dollars ($6,000,000) wasted on this worthless program last year alone. God forbid that American tax money is actually used to hire more ICE agents to ENFORCE our laws. Border Patrol manpower has been reduced and many agents are being sent home from work because our Agency says they can't pay them overtime, but they find money to fund this. We have watched over the years as illegal aliens laugh about this program, and its stated intention, to "disrupt" the flow of illegal immigration. They know it's a joke, but they appreciate the free ride to Mexico City to get closer to home, visit relatives, and attend to business matters. We can only wonder when our current Administration will start offering free return flights.

Read more here.

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Holder and Obama Now Challenging Arizona Employer Sanctions

President Obama and AG Holder

6-2-10 These two seem intent on dismantling any law that is effective against illegal immigration. This law drove thousands of illegal aliens out of Arizona. Many Arizona employers panicked at the idea that they would actually be held accountable for hiring criminals who are not supposed to be in our country. 8 USC 1325 is a criminal statute violated by every illegal alien who sneaks across our border without inspection. Border jumping is not an "administrative" violation, as the open borders crowd wants you to believe, it is a criminal violation.

This suit was brought by greedy employers who want an endless supply of cheap labor and so-called "immigrant rights" groups who want unfettered illegal immigration. These groups do not represent LEGAL immigrants, who pay the price when ILLEGAL aliens jump to the front of the line.

Read more here.

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Napolitano Brags About Knowing "Every Inch" of Border (Again), & Claims "Law Enforcement" is Against SB1070 Because They Want to Work on "Serious Crimes"

6-1-10 update: More rapes, a killing, and mayhem committed by illegal aliens. Do these "serious crimes" make them deportable? But they've already been "deported". How did they get back in time and time again? How much more of this mayhem will Americans tolerate before they DEMAND that Janet Napolitano and President Obama get serious about clamping down on our porous border? Read more here.

5-31-10 We keep hearing this from her, and all we can do is laugh. Secretary Napolitano has never patrolled one inch of the border, she has never made an arrest, she has never been shot at, and she has not been assaulted. She keeps repeating this mantra about how she knows the border better than anyone else. She apparently thinks that doing VIP fly-overs and tours (better known amongst the troops as "dog and pony shows") qualifies her as the foremost authority on the border. And she is still making excuses about why we can't deport millions of people (yes, we can - history proves that most will self-deport if the laws are enforced). She conspicuously avoids addressing the tremendous costs that illegal immigration brings to bear on taxpayers in our states, counties, and cities.

Secretary Napolitano claims that most "law enforcement" officers oppose SB1070. Really? Where are these "law enforcement" officers located? Who are they, exactly? We haven't met them. We have only seen a few who oppose the law. We can only assume she is talking about politicians like Jack Harris and Roberto Villasenor, who oppose the law while most of their officers are in favor of the law. She then takes a jab at Border Patrol agents by saying that "law enforcement" officers don't like SB1070 "because they force everybody to deal with immigration work as opposed to serious violent crimes, serious property crimes, other kinds of offenses that they may wish to prioritize in their own community. And that's not what law enforcement wants to do." It's good to know that our "leader" thinks what we do isn't "serious". This is another favorite Napolitano line. She wants everyone to think that we should only go after the "serious" criminals. What she is really saying is that we should let millions of illegal aliens stay here until they rape someone, commit an armed robbery, murder someone, etc. Such thinking is not only dangerous, it is downright irresponsible and demonstrates how out of touch the elites like Napolitano are with everyday Americans.

If Ms. Napolitano would stop the social engineering speeches and concentrate on ENFORCING the law, we'd all be much better off. We don't expect that to happen. We expect her to continue bragging about herself and making excuses. It has gotten old. Her arguments are completely full of holes, but when making speeches to uninformed college kids in Missouri she probably doesn't get challenged much on the reality of the border.

We suggest that Ms. Napolitano peruse the "Memorial Page for Victims of Illegal Aliens" at the top of this site, and explain to the loved ones of these people why she prefers not to deport illegal aliens until they commit a "serious" crime. Further, we don't know what she considers a "serious property crime" to be, but we wonder if the scene depicted in the picture below, multiplied by hundreds, would qualify.

Read more here.

Phoenix PD policy already mirrors SB1070 - read more here.

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Holder, Harris, & Villasenor Out of Touch with Troops

5-26-10 Eric Holder, Jack Harris, and Roberto Villasenor demonstrate how out of touch some police leaders are with the rank-and-file officers they supervise. The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association strongly supports SB1070, and they represent almost every Phoenix PD street cop. The Tucson Police Officers Association has posted positive comments about SB1070 on their website, yet their Chief is in DC telling the AG what a horrible thing it is. When there is a disconnect this big between these chiefs and the people putting their lives on the line doing the dirty work, something is terribly wrong. Far too many law enforcement "leaders" think they know best, and fail to ask the troops doing all the work what they think.

Read an article on the Holder, "Public Safety Manager" Jack Harris, and newly appointed Tucson PD Chief Villasenor here.

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Pressure from State Senator Pearce Results in the Federal Funding of 1,200 NG Troops

Senator Pearce

5-25-10 While there will be many who clamor for credit, it is obvious that Senator Pearce, Governor Brewer, and SB1070 have created an atmosphere where pressure has mounted and it's forcing people to do things. Thank you Senator Pearce for staying the course and forcing the federal government to take some action. Thank you Governor Brewer for weathering the criticism from the open borders activists and signing the bill into law.

We have no idea where or how these troops will be deployed. We also doubt that it's nearly enough.

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ICE Honcho Reportedly Whines About SB1070

Morton

5-23-10 Meanwhile, one illegal alien (who also happens to be a rapist, armed robber, and drug dealer) continues to victimize women in this country. We assume he now fits the "serious criminal" benchmark that Secretary Napolitano likes to talk about. The question is, why should he have victimized even one person in this country when he never should have been here in the first place? There are many thousands more just like him. Just because you "deport" him doesn't mean he won't sneak right back in with the millions of others who make a mockery of our immigration laws. The problem with people like Napolitano and Morton is that they want to be seen as the "good guys", riding in on their white horses to arrest and deport "serious criminals", while thousands more illegal aliens sneak in and commit additional crimes in the United States (and yes, it is still a CRIME to enter this country without authorization). Just because someone is a "corn vendor", "landscaper", or "dishwasher" doesn't mean he doesn't also commit "serious crimes", does it? We believe more and more Americans are starting to realize that entering this country illegally isn't just a casual "administrative" breach of our border, as so many pandering politicians and bureaucrats love to characterize it. Read more of this disgusting story here.

5-22-10 Publicly professing that you won't do your job? We assume he took the same oath of office that we took when we became agents - where you swear to uphold the law and defend the Constitution. Any Border Patrol agent who publicly declared that he or she wasn't going to do the job they were hired to do would be fired, and managers are supposed to be held to a "higher standard". Mr. Morton, with his outrageous comments, is the very definition of the "bad government" with which he labels Arizona.

When people wonder why the illegal immigration mess has gotten so bad, they need look no further than this example. There has been a complete lack of will to enforce the law. If our leaders were serious about regulating the flow across our border, they would have it secured in short order. Don't be fooled by statements from DHS Secretary Napolitano. She likes to say that she is going to focus on the "serious criminals". After all, who could argue with that? But what she is really conveying to the illegal alien community and the radical open borders activists is that she is willing to let millions of illegal aliens roam the country, and then after they victimize someone by raping, killing, or committing some other "serious" crime, they will be tracked down and deported. This logic is as dangerous as it is mind-boggling. Of those that defend this concept, we can only wonder which of them is willing to offer up one of their own family members to become the victim of an illegal alien so that the illegal alien can meet their standard for being tracked down and arrested. NO AMERICAN SHOULD HAVE TO BE THE VICTIM OF AN ILLEGAL ALIEN WHO HAS NO RIGHT TO BE IN THIS COUNTRY IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Read a story on Morton from Fox News here. His comments to the Chicago Tribune editorial board can be seen here.

Red Carpet Rolled Out for Calderon to Bash Arizona

The fairy-tale picture Obama and Calderon want you to see.

Reality - What Obama and Calderon don't want you to see.

05-20-10 While so many in this country struggle to make ends meet, we can all find comfort in the fact that untold tax dollars are being used to finance a world-class party for President Calderon. It is even more comforting to know that American taxpayers are providing an expensive and elaborate platform for Calderon to bash any attempts at enforcing our immigration laws. Calderon took particular pleasure in bashing Arizona, aided by President Obama, who now declares that SB1070 might be applied "in a discriminatory fashion", just like the thousands of other laws on the books. Great observation. Perhaps it would be wise to get rid of all laws, since they may be applied in a "discriminatory fashion". More excuses from a President who has shown zero interest in actually doing something to stop the madness that is illegal immigration.

The second picture shows the aftermath of an illegal alien load-out spot in the desert of Southern Arizona. This is just one of many load-out spots. Multiply this mess hundreds of times, and you begin to see what Border Patrol agents deal with daily.

It is nice to see that President Obama is using his bully pulpit to cut our legs out from under us. Playing political games and pandering to other countries is obviously much more important than actually solving a problem. With legendary intellectuals such as Whoopi Goldberg and Eva Longoria-Parker attending the dinner, there is little doubt that many of the world's problems were solved in a single night.

Read an article on the elaborate "Casa Blanca" dinner here.

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Local 2544 President Stepping Down

05-18-10 After 8+ years as president of Local 2544, I have decided it's time to move on. I am resigning, effective June 1st. I'm proud of our accomplishments in this Local, and I believe we are one of the strongest locals in the nation. I have worked with some extremely talented and dedicated people over the years, and I could not have done much without them. I started as a health and safety officer at Tucson station, later serving as a steward and chief steward. I was also an EEO Counselor for 5 years. I joined the Local 2544 executive board as the secretary, and later served as vice president. I was first elected president in October of 2001. We began with less than 500 members and a membership percentage hovering around 50%, and we've grown to nearly 3,000 members and a membership percentage of about 95%.

I am a proud second generation Border Patrol agent. My father began with the Border Patrol at the Yuma station in the 1950's. I also have a younger brother who is a K9 handler with CBP. I have had the opportunity to perform a wide variety of duties in the Border Patrol. In addition to regular patrol duties, I worked in one of the original Tucson Sector motorcycle units, taught Spanish at the Academy for two sessions, worked in the Roadrunner (fast car) Program, worked three years with a K9 partner, and spent one year on a DEA unit and one year on the Tucson PD (SMART) team. I also worked for a year on the mountain bike unit. I have been assigned to my original duty station (Tucson) for more than 24 years.

I want to thank all my guys and gals who have moved on to other things over the years (you know who you are). We had some tough times in this Local from about 2000 to 2002 when a few managers and INS attorneys tried to shut us down by cutting off all our official time. To all those who stuck with me, weathered the storm, and helped build this Local up over the last decade or so, thank you!

Lastly, I want to thank my wife. She has supported me my entire career, and she is a saint for putting up with me.

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$AFL$/$CIO$ Sides With Illegal Aliens, Again

05-17-10 The AFL/CIO certainly doesn't mind taking part of our dues money, but they do nothing to support us. The AFL/CIO used to be staunchly anti-illegal immigration. They realized that illegal aliens drove wages down and hurt union membership. With the advent of radical organizations like SEIU and the large numbers of members they were were able to produce (many of whom are illegal aliens), the AFL/CIO did a complete 180 degree turn with their position. This is the same AFL/CIO that sponsored the Illegal Alien Freedom Ride a few years back. It is unfortunate and disgraceful that we are forced to be affiliated with this organization.

Read the AFL/CIO hit piece here.

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Grandstanding California Politicians

Ed Reyes - LA City Council - They simply don't come any dumber than this race-baiting clown.

05-17-10 The hypocrisy of some politicians knows no bounds. It is simply unbelievable that this guy actually thinks an American citizen has to carry a passport in the United States. And the Arizona law Reyes is so vehemently protesting as "racist"? California has had a similar law on the books for years.

Read more here. Read the Arizona Police Association's take on the hypocrisy here.

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McCain Is Suddenly a Hard-Liner on Illegal Immigration and Border Security?

Holder Hasn't Even Read the Law He's Been Criticizing

05-13-10 More disturbing news. He has been lambasting SB1070, talking about "racial profiling", and using terms like "misguided", and he hasn't even read the law. He says he has been using anecdotal data from the "media" to form his opinions.

Holder asserts that the law offers "the possibility to lead to racial profiling". Life is full of "possibilities". For example, spouting off about a law you haven't read and inflaming racial tensions without having your facts straight leads to the possibility of being a one-term AG.

This is just unbelievable. Read the story here.

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$arver Reportedly Gets $140 Million in Taxpayer Funds for His Banks

Should "Undocumented Spectators" Who Manage to Sneak Into U.S. Airways Arena Be Allowed to Stay? Why Should They Have To Be Subjected to the Horrors of Producing a Paper Ticket?

Robert $arver

5-8-10 Robert Sarver has reportedly taken $140 million in taxpayer funds to bail out his banks. Meanwhile, Sarver still owns the Phoenix Suns, and while the taxpayers bail out his businesses he uses his professional sports franchise to protest SB1070. To read more on Sarver, Kerr, and Nash scroll down. We did get an update on Nash...he says he has "latino friends" and he's just trying to protect them by protesting SB1070. He failed to mention that unless they're here illegally, AND they get a DUI, drive recklessly, get in a brawl, or break some other law, they'll be just fine. Congratulations Steve. We have "latino friends" too, and they're getting shot, rocked, killed, and injured trying to keep the illegal aliens out of this country that you are encouraging to come in and to stay here with your misguided comments about "racism" and "racial profiling".

Michelle Malkin has the story on taxpayer funded protester $arver here.

The Washington Times sounds off in an editorial here.

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Eric Holder Reportedly to Challenge SB1070

Holder

5-7-10 We are receiving reports today that Eric Holder and DOJ have signaled that they are likely to challenge SB1070. If this development wasn't so sad, it would be funny. For years now DOJ has refused to prosecute our cases unless they were gift wrapped and met all their "threshold" requirements. They have done as much to damage morale in the Border Patrol as anyone. Placing a 500 pound "threshold" on marijuana loads caused smugglers coming through our state to carry just under 500 pounds of marijuana. They knew that unless they had 500 pounds or more DOJ would not prosecute them. Now, Holder and DOJ apparently have found resources to challenge SB1070. This is an obvious political ploy, and Americans should be outraged if they actually go after a state for trying to do something about the out-of-control illegal immigration mess.

Read a story here (keep in mind that new reports now indicate a likeliness that Obama and Holder will file a court challenge.

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Phoenix Suns Owner and Team Members Protest Immigration Law - Steve Kerr Compares Arizona to "Nazi Germany"

Robert Sarver                                 Steve Kerr

Out of control lawlessness to be celebrated as "diversity" according to Sarver, Kerr, and Nash. We would like to see Sarver's reaction if thousands of "fans" showed up at U.S. Airways arena, cut to the front of the line, and demanded to be let in without a ticket. If security doesn't allow them in, they should scream about "racial profiling". If they can manage to sneak in they should be given free food and be allowed to enjoy all the other amenities that paying customers get. Why not? A ticket is just a piece of "paper", and we all have the "right" to enjoy an NBA game, even if we can't afford tickets, right?

5-4-10 Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has decided that he should denounce Arizona's new immigration law through his team's wearing of "Los Suns" jerseys in Game 2 of their playoff series Wednesday night. Sarver states that his team voted unanimously to wear the jerseys as a sign of protest. Apparently Sarver doesn't understand that he is running an entertainment enterprise and not a political lobbying enterprise. Further, he espouses the unfortunate and flawed logic that "latinos" are against enforcement of our immigration laws. If this were true, why is it that over 50% of Border Patrol agents are latino?

Using a sports franchise to further political goals is unfortunate. Frankly, Kerr's comment is outrageous and disgusting. Comparing Arizona to Nazi Germany is right out of the Activist 101 handbook, and he should be deeply ashamed. Comparing an effort to identify the hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens in this state to what happened in Nazi Germany is simply mind-boggling. Illegal aliens are transported to their home countries if it is proven they have no right to be here. Jews in Nazi Germany were murdered by the millions in the most inhumane fashion imaginable. Shame on Steve Kerr.

Lastly, the misinformation that is being spread by people like Sarver, Kerr, and Nash is malicious and/or extremely misguided. They either lack a basic understanding of what the law allows police officers to do, or they are intentionally misrepresenting the facts. Nash is a Canadian citizen, but apparently thinks it's his job to tell us how to run our country and state (he was a war protester during the beginning of the Iraq war). Kerr is not an Arizona resident, he lives in Newport Beach, California. Sarver was also a California resident until recently.

Read more here.

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Washington Times Reporter Gets it Right

5-4-10 Jerry Seper points out that while Mexico condemns Arizona for attempting to do something about illegal immigration, they have draconian laws to deal with illegal immigrants in their own country. For many years we have heard anecdotal stories about how illegal aliens in Mexico are poorly treated. How folks like President Calderon can keep a straight face while lambasting the Border Patrol (as he did in the Nick Corbett fiasco), or lambasting a state law that simply instructs police officers to ask suspects with whom they make legal contact if they are here legally is astounding. There has been more disinformation and scare tactics spread about this law than any other in recent memory. Activists keep telling the lies, and the media keeps printing them.

Read some facts here.

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Pinal County Deputy Shot

Deputy Louie Puroll

Enough is enough! Stop playing games and give us the resources we need to secure our border!

4-30-10 While our President, DHS Secretary, and others whine about SB-1070, a Bill that 70% of Arizonans support, we have another law enforcement officer shot by suspected smugglers. This time it isn't a Border Patrol agent, but a Pinal County Sheriff's deputy. The open borders activist-fed "controversy" about SB-1070 is getting all the attention, while in the real world the border remains extremely dangerous and out of control. When all the open borders radicals can do is make unfounded and ridiculous "racial profiling" accusations, you know they don't have a legitimate argument. While President Obama adds to the hysteria with stupid hypothetical stories about a parent going to "an ice cream parlor" with her child and being arrested for not having her "papers", more good Americans and law enforcement officers are being assaulted and otherwise victimized by those he emboldens. While Secretary Napolitano whines about "unfair questions" regarding whether the border is secure (and we thought she was supposed to be in charge of making sure the job gets done), good Americans and law enforcement officers are being victimized by smugglers and others who should not be in this country. It is truly pathetic. Are they doing everything possible to get our border under control? Absolutely not. It's unfortunately just a political game. The hyper-vocal activists continue to scream about everything "racial", and too many politicians are left looking for their backbones, while those of us on the front lines continue to pay the price.

Read a story about the latest shooting here...

Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas

In other news, one of the killers who barbarically murdered Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas (pictured above) after luring him out of his patrol car and ambushing him was sentenced to 40 years in prison yesterday. Rosas had a wife and two very young children. His children, aged 2 and 4, still run to the door and say "Papa" when they hear a car drive up to their home. The other two thugs who helped kill Rosas still roam free, presumably in Mexico.

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Governor Brewer Signs SB-1070

L to R: Local 2544 President Edward Tuffly, Governor Brewer, & PLEA President Mark Spencer

04-23-10 We were honored to stand by Governor Brewer during the signing ceremony for SB-1070. We applaud the Governor for taking a stand against illegal immigration. We would like to thank Governor Brewer for inviting us to attend this event.

This important piece of legislation takes the handcuffs off local police officers when dealing with suspected illegal aliens.

We have also been honored to partner with the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, led by President Mark Spencer, and the Arizona Police Association, led by Executive Director Brian Livingston, to support this legislation. These men and their boards support the men and women of the United States Border Patrol wholeheartedly and we appreciate their support. You can read their view of the new law here.

Related:

Silly Extremist Raul Grijalva Calls Our State Legislators "Silly Extremists"

Raul Grijalva

4-25-10 Raul Grijalva is a pro-illegal alien, open borders zealot who whines about every enforcement measure presented to hold illegal aliens accountable for the crimes they commit. We have to give him an "A" for straight-faced hypocrisy though. Mr. Grijalva has also called for a boycott of his own state. He is willing to hurt every Arizona citizen to defend illegal aliens' right to break our laws and illegally stay in this country.

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Next on the Agenda - Amnesty for Illegal Aliens

3-26-10 Secretary Napolitano has confirmed that this Administration's next goal after government-run health care is to pass an amnesty program. As this heats up, more and more illegal aliens will desperately try to get into the country so they can jump in front of those trying to immigrate legally. We saw all of this with the 1986 amnesty program, and we've failed to learn that amnesty does not work, it only encourages more lawlessness. Read an article on Napolitano's comments in Phoenix here.

3-20-10 The Border Patrol budget is being cut by $15 million dollars this year. President Obama has requested a reduction in Border Patrol staffing levels by 181 agents. Our managers have told us that we will not be getting any new vehicles and other equipment. The border is not secure (no matter what these folks try to tell you). And now they want to reward all the illegal aliens that Border Patrol agents have risked their lives and died trying to stop from coming here. Disgraceful.

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Local 2544 Meets With JD Hayworth

Pictured, left to right: VP Art Del Cueto, President Edward Tuffly, JD Hayworth, VP Brandon Judd, VP Keith Bocharski, and VP Richard Martinez

3-2-10 Local 2544 Executive Board members met with JD Hayworth this morning to discuss issues important to our membership and the Nation. More to follow.

3-3-10 Local 2554 has endorsed Hayworth. The letter is posted here.

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Pay Cuts Coming?

    
David Aguilar         Mike Fisher

2-20-10 We have received preliminary information that the Border Patrol has proposed a budget with $15 million in cuts. They reportedly want to do away with Sunday Pay, Holiday Pay, and "end of shift overtime". This is still developing. We will post more as we get it.

The Obama Administration wants to eliminate 180 Border Patrol agent positions as well.

OWCP Issues

2-26-10 Please see our updated contact info regarding OWCP issues in the Member Resources and Contact Information pages.

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Meeting With Congresswoman Giffords and Acting CPA

Pictured, left to right: VP Richard Martinez, VP Keith Bocharski, Congresswoman Giffords, President Edward Tuffly, VP Arturo Del Cueto

2-22-10 Local 2544 Executive Board officers met with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords this morning to discuss issues important to our agents, including proposed pay cuts, health and safety issues (including the current state of our Service 2-way radio system), station infrastructure at Casa Grande, checkpoint safety issues at Casa Grande and Ajo stations, and maintaining our current bid-for-shift structure.

Acting CPA Victor Manjarrez met with us at Giffords' Tucson office for about 30 minutes, and we agreed to meet with him again in the near future.

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Working With Mexican Law Enforcement?

2-20-10 We learned of this program yesterday from a news reporter who called us for comment. We had no idea what he was talking about and had to research it. We will be gathering input from agents and we'll comment further at the appropriate time.

Click here for an article.

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Senator John McCain - He Just Doesn't Get It

02-20-10 Senator McCain has been a vocal supporter of amnesty for illegal aliens for years. He has sponsored and supported disgraceful legislation that would reward illegal aliens for breaking the law. He has incessantly trivialized the crime of illegal immigration, to the point of sarcasm. He has never been a friend to Border Patrol agents in this state and has sold us down the river at every opportunity.

Senator McCain recently appeared on the Doug and Wolf radio show at KTAR Sports 620 in Phoenix. He was asked about the "steroid era" in baseball and whether baseball players who used steroids should be allowed in the Hall of Fame. McCain stated that baseball players who used steroids should not be rewarded for their accomplishments because it's "not fair" to those who didn't cheat. We have been saying for years that any form of amnesty for illegal aliens is not fair to those immigrants who did things the right way, stayed in line, and waited their turn. It's too bad that Senator McCain can see how "cheating" is wrong in the professional baseball world, but he fails to meaningfully acknowledge that cheating is wrong when it comes to immigration.

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Chief Gilbert Leaving Tucson Sector

Local 2544 President Edward Tuffly Presents a Plaque to Chief Gilbert

1-23-10 Local 2544 has enjoyed a terrific working relationship with Chief Gilbert. During his tenure we have been able to get some good work done on behalf of the agents in this Sector. He has always treated agents fairly, and we are sorry to see him leave. We wish him the best in his new assignment.

Local 2544 Executive Board officers Tuffly, Brandon Judd, Richard Martinez, Art Del Cueto, Keith Bocharski, and attorney Jim Calle recently attended a going-away luncheon to honor the chief's service here.

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Duty Phone

 1-8-10 We are implementing a 24-hour duty phone to improve service and response times to our stewards and members. It is also open to managers who need to contact us. We would like to be contacted for all shootings and other serious incidents. To contact an executive board officer 24/7 call (520) 742-1525.

Please - no salesmen, telemarketers, or calls from the public.

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Douglas Shooting

1-5-10 There was a deadly force incident in Douglas involving several union members yesterday morning.  Due to the ongoing investigation we will not comment on the particulars at this time. However, we will emphatically state that the actions of the agents involved were necessary and justifiable. A criminal alien placed our agents in a situation where they had no choice but to take decisive and forceful action.

We would like to thank Douglas station management, especially new Patrol Agent In Charge Timothy Sullivan, and Assistant Patrol Agent In Charge Michael Hyatt for their professionalism and cooperation during this incident. They knew their responsibilities and carried them out in a competent manner. We are optimistic the investigation will proceed without complication.  The level of professionalism portrayed by by these managers is appreciated and a reflection of the cooperative leadership provided by Chief Gilbert during his tenure here. 

We would like to recognize Local 2544 Attorney Jim Calle, Vice President Keith Bocharski and Douglas Station Steward David Ruiz for their excellent work related to this shooting incident. They worked tirelessly to ensure the rights of the involved agents were protected. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable attorneys and union reps to assist agents in times of dire need.  

Violence along the border continues to increase. Last week during an encounter with armed drug smugglers, an agent was shot in the performance of his duties.  Approximately three weeks ago, an agent was struck in the head and knocked unconscious by a group of rock throwing aliens trying to evade apprehension. We are happy to report both agents are recovering, but it appears the agent who was shot will have long term complications due to his injury. Although deadly force incidents are increasing at alarming rates, it is comforting to know we have dedicated men and women patrolling our borders in an effort to safeguard our nation.

In closing, we would like to point out that Border Patrol agents are trained to shoot at "center mass" when stopping a threat. We are not trick shot artists, and the anti-Border Patrol activists who publicly suggest we should shoot suspects in an extremity when we are under attack by rock throwing aliens are misguided and obviously know nothing of law enforcement operations.

Here is a reminder of what rocks can do to Border Patrol agents. Rock throwing is not a game, it's not funny, and it's extremely dangerous. This Tucson Sector agent was struck in the head with a large rock and is fortunate he wasn't killed.

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Health and Safety Issues

12-18-09 In an effort to better serve our members we have a dedicated e-mail address for health and safety concerns, questions, or suggestions. Please e-mail nbpc2544hs@gmail.com with any H&S issues you would like us to address.

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Secretary Napolitano Continues Push for Amnesty

12-11-09 DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano is pushing to grant amnesty to illegal aliens in this country. We have heard everything she is saying before, in 1986, when the last mass amnesty was enacted. It was a complete disaster. The amnesty was liberally applied, the "tough enforcement" was abandoned in short order, and the net effect was to reward millions of lawbreakers and encourage millions more to engage in law breaking. About 3 million illegal aliens were rewarded for breaking the law in 1986, which naturally encouraged millions more to come here, and now our government wants to reward another 12 to 20 million, which will encourage millions more to come. Does anyone besides us see the pattern here? Open borders advocates attempt to confuse the issue and use lots of catch phrases about "bringing people out of the shadows". The issue isn't confusing at all. Enforce the law and regulate the border.

Read an article about Secretary Napolitano's latest statements here.

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Local 2544 Sends Representatives to Training

12-1-09 Local 2544 recently sent three of its representatives to a 1-week training course in Chicago so that we can effectively help our members with OWCP claims. The training was completed about a week ago and members will see an increased response to OWCP issues from the Local in the near future. More info to follow.

Local 2544 currently has four representatives attending a 1-week internal affairs training class in Nevada. This will help us continue to represent our members in increasingly complicated internal affairs interviews.

We will continue to utilize our attorneys in internal affairs issues, but we often have to send Local representatives to interviews because of time constraints and case conflicts.

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Willcox Station Managers 10-8

11-2-09 Union representatives from the Willcox station report that they are very happy with station managers Craig Weinbrenner, Gary Robison, Barry Billeaudeau, G. Boone, and others. The managers were praised for being open to suggestions, working closely with the Chief Steward, and finding fair solutions to problems, in the best interests of everyone involved. The Union reps appreciate that the managers work issues with the Union early in order to keep them from becoming bigger issues. They also work closely with the Union reps to make sure training and detail selections are fair.

We would like to thank these managers for resolving problems at the station level and keeping their troops happy.

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Naco K9 Agent Injured

10-29-09 During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16th, a Canine Handler from the Naco Border Patrol Station was seriously injured while tracking a group of drug smugglers to a house.  The agent was transported to the University Medical Center Trauma Unit for treatment.  While at the trauma center, Assitant Chief Patrol Agent Roy Hoats, as well as Canine Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Ruben Ornelas, Chris Jbarra, and Dave Burke visited the agent to ensure his well being.  Several Agents from the canine unit also visited in a show of support.  Peer support stood by his side, helping his wife with their two young children during the time he was in the trauma center.  Needless to say, the agent was truly grateful for the outpouring of concern he received from his Border Patrol Family. 
 
The help and concern for the agent continues.  Many co-workers have contacted the agent and his wife to help.  He has had his lawn mowed, meals have been brought in, and dog poop has been "scooped" from his well-manicured lawn.  On Saturday, Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge John Nieves, on his own time, stopped by the agent's home to visit with him and to bring him a book and magazine to assist in alleviating the agent's boredom.  All these acts of kindness by members of the Border Patrol Family, however small, have been received with gratitude. 
 
This is another example of the great fraternity that exists in the United States Border Patrol.

(Note from the Local 2544 president: A Local 2544 VP who submitted this story for posting failed to mention that he spent most of the day at the hospital with the agent after he was injured. He helped care for the agent's children so that the agent's wife could be with him in a part of the hospital where children were not allowed. The VP was on annual leave.)

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State Legislation to Deter Sanctuary Cities

10-21-09 Local 2544 representatives attended a press conference in support of several anti-illegal immigration measures introduced by Senator Pearce. The press conference was also attended by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), Maricopa County Deputies Law Enforcement Association, NBPC Executive VP George McCubbin, and steel/electrical workers unions. Forty lawmakers have signed on to this legislation. Any law that strips the safe havens from illegal aliens inside this country is a step in the right direction. Sanctuary laws have long been known to hamper our ability to do our jobs.

Local 2544 Vice President Brandon Judd addressed the assembled media. Others, including former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, PLEA President Mark Spencer, County Attorney Andrew Thomas, and Senator Pearce also addressed the media.

An article is posted here. More to follow.

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Nomination of Officers

10-19-09 Attn: Members - You will be receiving a ballot in November. New officers will be installed at the regularly scheduled meeting on December 9, 2009. Terms are two (2) years.

Update 10-22-09 All candidates are currently unopposed.

President                           - Edward Tuffly

Executive Vice President  - Brandon Judd

1st Vice President             - Rick Martinez

2nd Vice President            - Arturo Del Cueto

3rd Vice President             - Keith Bocharski

Treasurer                           - David Hull

Secretary                           - George McCubbin

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Local 2544 Files ULP Charge on ICE-OPR

10-1-09 We have filed a ULP charge against ICE-OPR Agents Martin Suarez and Wendy Lockwood for violating the rights of our members at the Sonoita Border Patrol station. It is always disconcerting when those who are charged with investigating Border Patrol agents for "breaking the rules" think it is alright to break rules themselves.

As a reminder to our members, when ICE-OPR or OIG show up unannounced at your station and urge you to give a "voluntary statement" without the benefit of Union representation, alarm bells should go off in your head. They are usually on a fishing expedition, and if you think for one second that your "voluntary statement" can't come back to bite you, no matter how "innocent" you are, you should probably choose a different career. ICE-OPR and OIG have the authority to compel agents to give statements. When they don't exercise that authority you should be very wary. If they use the word "criminal" at any time, you should immediately call LDF. If they refuse to identify you as a "suspect" or a "witness" with statements like "We don't know if you're a suspect or a witness until you answer our questions.", you should immediately call LDF.

If you believe that simply doing your job can't land you in a world of trouble, you better do some research on the Nick Corbett case. If you believe that giving "voluntary statements" can't land you in a world of trouble, you better do some research on the Nick Corbett case.

The ULP charge can be seen HERE.

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Crew-Neck Undershirts and Pants

9-1-09 BP is finally allowing agents to wear crew-neck undershirts. The shirts are now available to order through VF Solutions (along with pants). We would like to thank John Howard, a Local 2544 steward, for staying on this issue, doing all the research, and not giving up (it was a years-long process). Chief Gilbert should be commended for listening to different ideas, and Chief Aguilar should be commended for signing off on this long overdue improvement. New holsters are also available for order now. We have been extremely critical of Chief Aguilar on a number of issues, but if he wasn't signing off on these improvements they would not be implemented.

More rough-duty uniform improvements have been made over the last several years than were made in the previous 50 years. Everything is not perfect, but it is much, much better. This underclothing is another much needed improvement for field agents, and provides the latest in moisture-wicking technology.

Good job John! Thanks for your perseverance.

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 Aguilar Watch Has Been Updated

8-14-09 Click the link on the left.

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Congresswoman Giffords Recognizes Local 2544

(Left to right) Local 2544 President Edward Tuffly addressing the assembled media, Tucson Sector Chief Robert Gilbert, & Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords


Congresswoman Giffords, Chief Gilbert, President Tuffly

8-14-09 On 8-4-09 Congresswoman Giffords presented copies of her words in the Congressional Record, recognizing the leadership of Tucson Sector and Local 2544. We appreciate that Congresswoman Giffords listens to our concerns and ideas as representatives of the front-line agents in this Sector. She has always been willing to meet with us and discuss issues.

The statement entered into the Congressional Record, in pertinent part, is as follows:

"The daily work of the Border Patrol is conducted by a force of hard working agents who carry out their duty with honor and distinction in some of the most rugged terrain in the nation. I am proud of the relationship we have established with the Executive Board of the National Border Patrol Council, Local 2544, which represents the agents who work in the Tucson Sector. The agents on the ground are capably represented by Edward Tuffly, Local 2544 President, and the members of his Executive Board, Richard Martinez, Arturo Del Cueto. David Hull, and Kurt Kelley. They keep me apprised of the needs and concerns of their members so that I can better fight for the resources that they must have to safely and effectively do their jobs."

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AFGE Wants More Money

8-11-09 AFGE has proposed a huge per capita increase that would cost our Local an additional $150,000 per year. Contrary to what some think, Local 2544 only receives a small part of the dues you pay. AFGE and NBPC get far more than we get.

AFGE currently takes about 30% of the dues you pay.

NBPC takes about 48% of what you pay.

Combined, AFGE and NBPC take nearly 80% of what you pay.

Local 2544 is left with about 22% of what you pay.

AFGE now wants another $4.50 per month, which would leave the Local with about 15% of your dues money.

This Local does not use AFGE for much. Further, AFGE gives a portion of the per-capita tax we pay to the Arizona AFL/CIO, which has supported radical groups in the past that have lobbied for mass firings of Border Patrol agents. Do a web search on "Comida, No Migra", one of the groups that the Arizona AFL/CIO supported financially in the past. Do another web search on the "Immigrant Freedom Ride", another endeavor heavily supported by the Arizona AFL/CIO which sold out our mission and intentionally attempted to obstruct Border Patrol agents conducting their duties at a traffic checkpoint in Texas. The AFL/CIO has a radical open borders agenda, and it is shameful that we are forced to pay them to work against us. In this same proposal, AFGE wants open-ended, unlimited per capita tax increases beginning in 2012 to increase funding for state AFL/CIO affiliates. This would ensure that the Arizona state AFL/CIO would receive even more of our money so they can try to get us all fired from our jobs. Terrific idea.

Of the money that NBPC takes, the Local gets money back to pay an attorney for our Legal Services Plan (LSP). This is used for OIG, OIA, IA, disciplinary actions, adverse actions, and some grievance procedures. We also get some training, arbitration costs, and other reimbursements from NBPC.

The Local pays for the Legal Defense Fund plan (PORAC) which provides representation for scope-of-duty criminal and civil allegations (do a web search on Nicholas Corbett). We maintain an office, perform local representational duties, liaison with management, recruit new members, and take care of the day-to-day cost of operations, including this website.

We are admantly opposed to the proposed AFGE per capita increase. We will be forced to either drastically cut back on the services we provide or raise dues to cover the increased AFGE per capita. We prefer neither option.

One final note we will make is that AFGE is between 30% and 40% organized. We are over 90% organized. We believe we are providing the services our members want, and we continually strive to improve what we offer.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact an Executive Board officer.

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Holster Problems

8-7-09 We would like to thank Tucson Sector management for listening to our concerns about the problems some agents have had with the roll-top holsters. Local 2544 representatives recently met with management representatives to discuss our concerns. For officer safety reasons, we will not divulge everything involved with the discussion here, but we will say that we believe some agents have faced disciplinary action for issues that can be attributed directly to faulty equipment. These issues are being worked, and our Sector management has acknowledged the problem.