Washington, D.C. - Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft today stressing that the deployment of National Guard troops at the U.S. northern border must be in addition to, not replacement of, the already placed temporary Immigration and Naturalization Service and Customs staff.  

"I welcome additional assistance but it would be a mistake to try to fix a northern border problem using a southern border perspective," Larsen said.  “It’s like trying to fit square blocks in round holes.”

Earlier this week, Ashcroft announced the deployment of 419 National Guard troops to assist INS and Customs in securing the border.  The Pacific Highway and Peace Arch border crossings in Larsen’s district have been tagged to receive a total of 17 National Guard troops for temporary assistance at the border.  Reports have been unclear if the National Guard is being sent to replace present INS staff or if they are additional assistance.

Larsen wrote, “I would like to make it clear to you that the temporary assistance of these troops are welcome at the border crossings in my district if, and only if, they are being sent to assist the currently assigned staff, not replace them.”  He added, “It is imperative that the mission of the stationed National Guard troops is clear: to ensure security and to assist INS and Customs in the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our northern border.”

Larsen said, “INS and Customs staff are trained for specific jobs and duties.  National Guard troops are trained to do an entirely different job.  It would be a mistake to confuse them and treat them as though they are all the same.”

Larsen is an active member of the bipartisan Northern Border Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.  His district includes Peace Arch border crossing – the third busiest passenger vehicle crossing along the U.S. – Canada border – and Pacific Highway crossing – the fourth busiest commercial crossing, as well as auto/passenger crossing along the nation’s northern border.

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December 4, 2001

The Honorable John Ashcroft
Attorney General of the United States
United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room #5137
Washington, D.C. 20530 

Dear Mr. Attorney General: 

Yesterday it was reported that the Administration would deploy about 400 National Guard troops along the northern border to supplement Customs and Immigration Inspectors.  I would like to make it clear to you that the temporary assistance of these troops are welcome at the border crossings in my district if, and only if, they are being sent to assist the currently assigned staff, not replace them.

In the District I represent in Northwest Washington state, delays of up to four hours at the five border crossings have had a disastrous effect on trade flowing from Canada.  The long lines have also taken a toll on local businesses in all of Whatcom County, some of which are facing revenue losses of up to sixty-five percent.  

With over 500,000 people and $1.3 billion dollars of trade moving between the U.S. and Canada daily, the ability of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and Customs Service to process people and goods entering our nation efficiently and thoroughly is essential to ensure the national security and economic prosperity of the United States.

The long-term solution starts with greatly increasing the number of full time trained staff at the border and investing in new technology and infrastructure. Only then can we make our border safe and efficient for commercial traffic, while protecting our national security interests.

I understand 17 National Guard troops will be assigned to the Blaine and Pacific Highway border crossings in my district.  I welcome temporary assistance but stationing 17 National Guard troops who are not specifically trained for these duties must not be used as an excuse for removing temporarily stationed INS and Border Patrol Agents.  Currently, that includes 10 Immigration Inspectors and 21 Border Patrol Officers detailed to the five border crossings in Whatcom County to handle the enhanced inspection needs mandated after September 11th.  
  
I am encouraged by the new focus of the Administration on the needs of our northern border. However, it is imperative that the mission of the stationed National Guard troops is clear: to ensure security and to assist INS and Customs in the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our northern border.    

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring both the safety of our northern border and the continued growth of trade between the U.S. and Canada.  I look forward to working with you on practical long-term solutions to address the unique needs of the U.S. – Canadian border.