If you look at facts, border is more secure than ever | Separating common sense, hysteria

by Janet Napolitano 
Special for the Republic
Jun. 4, 2010 12:00 AM

Arizona has endured more than its share of challenges stemming from our southwestern border. I know this from personal experience, having worked directly on border issues since 1993 - as U.S. attorney, as Arizona governor and attorney general, and now as U.S. secretary of Homeland Security.

I share the frustration that Arizona and other border communities feel, from the cartel-related violence in Mexico to the tragic murder of Robert Krentz in Cochise County. These events make clear that we still have significant work ahead of us. But the notion that we have somehow ignored the border is simply false.


The people of Arizona need to know that our border - the U.S.-Mexican border - has been one of my key priorities as secretary.

Over the past year and a half, this administration has pursued a new border-security strategy with an unprecedented sense of urgency. And despite the unfortunate misperceptions that continue to make their way into the public debate, the reality is we've actually achieved significant progress securing the border.

You might not get this impression from those looking to score political points by saying the border is spinning out of control. But the numbers tell the accurate story - and they're going in the right direction.

Continue reading here.