
On January 14, the Dallas Morning News published an editorial sharply criticizing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) drone program. Specifically, the editorial stated, “The drone program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection is more expensive than it is effective. It lacks adequate performance measures and established goals, and has serious limitations.” However, on January 19, the paper published a Letter to the Editor from CBP stating the portrayal was inaccurate, and that drones are “a proven, effective surveillance technology enhancing CBP’s operational capabilities and increasing our awareness along the nation’s borders and coasts.”
by Sylvia Longmire23 Jan 2015, 5:30 AM PST0

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants enter the US illegally across our southwest border every year with the help of coyotes, more formally known as human smugglers. Making this journeys isn’t cheap, and can set a migrant back anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on his or her circumstances. As a result, gangs are making upwards of $10 billion per year according to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. Worse yet, Bloomberg Markets magazine will be reporting in its February issue that these profits are rolling in with the assistance of several U.S. banks.
by Sylvia Longmire21 Jan 2015, 3:59 PM PST0

Mexican drug cartels are no strangers to heroin smuggling, although they have historically lagged behind other countries and organizations in production and distribution. However, a recent investigation by the award-winning Dromomanos journalism collective revealed the powerful Sinaloa Federation has overtaken Colombian and
by Sylvia Longmire19 Dec 2014, 5:50 AM PST0