Section of border fence collapses near Algodones
July 25, 2012 9:38 PM
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The U.S. Border Patrol has boosted surveillance in the area
of Los Algodones, Baja Calif., until it can replace a 114-foot section
of border fencing that collapsed during earth-moving work on the Mexican
side.The excavation work undermined the 18-foot-tall section of steel fencing about 8 p.m. Tuesday, causing it to collapse onto some of the earth-moving equipment used in the project, said Agent Spencer Tippets of the Border Patrol's Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office.
The section, located about a quarter-mile west of the U.S. Port of Entry in Andrade, Calif., is part of the network of fencing that stretches along the border throughout the sector to prevent illegal immigrants and drug smugglers from entering the country.
An investigation into the collapse is continuing, but Tippets said the Border Patrol so far has no reason to believe dirt was being moved as part of efforts to dig an underground smuggling tunnel such as those discovered in San Luis, Ariz., and elsewhere along the border.
“We have no idea what they were doing, or why they were excavating in that area,” Tippets said.
The fence, located about 13 feet inside U.S. territory, is made of heavy steel and is reinforced by footings buried underground, he said.
Police and municipal officials in neighboring Los Algodones did not respond to calls seeking information.
There were no injuries in the collapse of the fence, Tippets said.
Once it finishes its investigation, Tippets said, the Border Patrol will determine how to go about replacing the fallen section of the fence, which workers can repair without crossing to the Mexican side of the border.
In the meantime, he added, the patrol has beefed up security measures in the area to prevent illegal border crossings through the gap.
The added measures, he said, “will remain until the repairs are completed.”
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