Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

For Immediate Release… September 10, 2008

Texas Sheriff Addresses Ohio Group on Border (In)Security

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones hosted Zapata County (Texas) Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez, Jr., today at a conference held in West Chester, OH. The purpose of the conference was to provide a briefing to law enforcement and government officials about the insecurity of the southwestern United States border. Sheriff Gonzalez is the in-coming Chairman of the Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition, has been in law enforcement for 32 years, and Sheriff of Zapata County since 1994. He presented some of his first-hand experiences and frustrations in dealing with border problems that he says are being ignored by our Federal government. Today’s event was attended by approximately 150 people representing 50 different law enforcement agencies and government entities from Ohio.

More than basic “immigration issues” were presented. Sheriff Gonzalez indicates the total lack of border security has led to a dramatic increase of illegal drugs, drug cartels, violent crime, execution killings, kidnappings, gang activity, etc., in Texas, and is spreading across the country, and is finding its way to southwest Ohio. The potential for terrorists to gain easy entry into the United States is not just evident, but is happening.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has been a very vocal advocate for border security for several years. “I just thought maybe another voice besides mine should be heard when it comes to securing the borders. I was happy to have Sheriff Gonzalez here,” said Sheriff Jones. “Even though the major political candidates don’t seem to think that US border security is, or should be, an issue, obviously there was a large group of law enforcement personnel who came to battleground southwest Ohio this morning who seem to think otherwise.”

Prepared by: Sgt. Monte Mayer
Public Information Officer