Davis Seeks Accurate Information from DHS on Tunnel Closing at Mexican Border
Ranking Member Frustrated with Confusion, Misinformation

February 12, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has demanded that the Department of Homeland Security provide some straight answers about progress on closing tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, Davis pointed to a Jan. 30 story in The Los Angeles Times that stated that seven tunnels need to be filled to prevent human and drug smuggling. Two had been "capped" (had their interiors blocked off) at the Mexican border, the report said, and $2.7 million was needed to complete the task.

Then, on Feb. 2, Davis said, his staff was told all seven were capped and had round-the-clock surveillance and the $2.7 million had been secured. Davis then learned last week that Senate staffers had been told the $2.7 million was still needed. Subsequent to that, Davis has learned there is no date-certain for them to be filled because the border patrol must negotiate with property owners.

"In an age in which illegal immigration is at the forefront of debate in our country in which we have concerns not just over drug and human smuggling but the ability of terrorists to infiltrate our borders why is CBP all over the map on this issue?" Davis asks. "Those of us charged with oversight in the House and Senate should feel confident we are receiving accurate information, particularly as it pertains to monies to secure the infrastructure of the United States. Additionally, when the administration speaks publicly regarding its law-enforcement efforts on the border, it should take every effort to ensure its message is factually correct."