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Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson today accompanied Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on a tour of the Arizona-Mexico border. Nelson issued the following statement on his trip:
"Today, I had the opportunity to view border barrier construction and enhanced border security measures at the Arizona-Mexico border. Increased patrols, physical barriers and 'virtual fencing' - composed of radar, sensors, and aerial and vehicle patrols in remote areas -, are already making a difference. In addition, border patrol agents have repeatedly noted that the assistance of National Guard members deployed through 'Operation Jumpstart' has been invaluable. Each of these elements has contributed to a reduction in border crossings in this region, from hundreds a day last fall to a handful a month today.
"In short, increased border security is working.
"This trip has confirmed my commitment to moving ahead with border security first. While all these measures are effective, I've learned that even talk of amnesty can cause a new flood of illegal border crossings, negating the good work being done by the dedicated men and women tasked with securing our borders.
"I've been very impressed by the officials I have met on this trip, from Secretary Chertoff's staff to the border patrol and members of the National Guard. I'll continue to work to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs."
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