OBP005715

From: (b) (6)

To: (b) (6)
Cc: SELF, JEFFREY D; (b) (6)
Subject: FW: Fence location inquiry
Date: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:11:07 PM
Importance: High

(b) (6)
I am forwarding the chain of emails regarding (b) (6) request for information to RGV after
receiving your email response. I spoke with Chief Self and he directed me that this request for
information should be handled through your office. If we can be of any assistance, let us know.
(b)
(6)

From: (b) (6)

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 12:47 PM
To: (b) (6)
Cc: (b) (6)

Subject: FW: Fence location inquiry

Importance: High

HQ,
(b) (6) was not satisfied with (b) (6) response regarding Laredo’s operational
assessments for 2008 and is requesting additional information. He is requesting the
apprehension stats for the Brownsville, Texas Downtown area (O-19) in comparison to the
Laredo, Texas apprehension stats for their downtown area.

Please advice RGV how to proceed.

RGV SBInet Team

From: (b) (6)

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 9:33 AM
To: (b) (6)
Subject: FW: Fence location inquiry

Dear (b) (6)

I am forwarding this email from David Pagan which is response to our inquiry regarding whether
Laredo will be getting a "Border Fence" or how will they be treated. As you can see it appears that
Laredo will only be subject to invasive species removal on the river. It would be very helpful for us here
in Brownsville to better understand this reasoning if we at least knew what the recommendations were
and how they were arrived at by the local Laredo Sector. Perhaps the number of crossings in the
downtown areas of Laredo vs. Brownsville would help to answer this question.

Please understand that all we are looking for is to continue our good faith negotiations with DHS and
part of that in our view is to be treated on an equitable basis with comparable border cities.

I will be attending a City Commission meeting next Tuesday, April 1st and I am certain this question
will arise. I am, of course, seeking a response that will allow me to more completely give a
comprehensive answer to the City Commission.
OBP005716

I thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Best regards,

(b) (6) Historic Downtown District Director

City of Brownsville

phone (b) (6)

Fax (b) (6)

From: (b) (6)

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 8:02 AM
To: (b) (6)
Cc: (b) (6)
Subject: Fence location inquiry

(b) (6)

I understand you are interested in information regarding decisions by CBP re: location of border fencing in Texas,
specifically the Laredo Sector. The general answer re: our decision-making process is found below:

Proposed fence locations were determined through operational assessments made by the local U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol Agents and Chiefs, based on illegal cross-border activity and the Border
Patrol’s extensive field experience in the areas. Four main factors contribute to fence location decisions: (1) the
initial Border Patrol operational assessments; (2) engineering assessments, which include the cost to construct; (3)
environmental assessments; and (4) input from stakeholders. Each of these steps is a standard element of the
planning process that enables DHS to make informed decisions in deploying fence as operationally required.

Regarding Laredo, current operational assessments indicate the priority project for 2008 is the removal of invasive
species along the river in that area and CBP is continuing to explore options to clear those plants.

I hope this is information is helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,
(b)
(6)