ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico's U.S. senators are calling for more personnel and equipment to help the Border Patrol secure the U.S.-Mexico border along the state's southwestern corner.
Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich say their call to U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a response to concerns voiced by residents of the Bootheel region as well as by Border Patrol agents and CBP officials.
The lawmakers say agents need additional horses, all-terrain vehicles and night vision gear, and they say bonuses and other incentives would help reduce turnover among agents.
According to Udall and Heinrich, federal authorities ought to work with the New Mexico National Guard so Guard helicopters can help the Border Patrol cover more territory.
