The Colorado Independent

New Mexico wilderness bill raises border-security concerns

By Elise Foley | 11.01.10 | 6:46 am

On July 21, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously approved a bill to designate part of the Organ Mountains in southern New Mexico as wilderness. It was a routine measure — the committee passes several federal land designation bills each year — that generated little debate at the time and seemed destined to pass the full Senate without fanfare when it eventually reached the chamber floor.

Bush frees two imprisoned border agents championed by Tancredo

By Ernest Luning | 01.19.09 | 12:10 pm

In one of his final official acts as president, George W. Bush on Monday commuted the sentences of Texas Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who were convicted of shooting a fleeing drug smuggler in the buttocks and accused of covering it up. The pair’s conviction became a rallying point for the anti-immigration movement, including former Rep. Tom Tancredo. The Colorado Republican said earlier this month that their continued imprisonment was his “biggest regret” as he prepared to leave Congress. “I think about those guys in prison, and I’m just sick at heart,” Tancredo told The Denver Post. “I’ve done everything I can.”

Now Hiring Border Patrol Agents

By Kate Bernuth | 03.11.08 | 9:00 am

With plans for a “virtual fence” stalled, the government is scrambling to get more bodies stationed along the border with Mexico. Careers in the Border Patrol offer great pay and benefits with a good chance for some Lone Ranger-style adventure.…