Las Vegas NowBorder Patrol Steps Up Enforcement at McCarran Airport
The U.S. border patrol has set up a temporary operation out of McCarran Airport. Their mission is to find illegal immigrants, and those who are trying to smuggle them into the U.S. Agents say it's not racial profiling.
They say they are doing their job, and in the process helping innocent people possibly fight death at the hands of their smugglers. They are making their presence known. Outside McCarran International Airport, border patrol units are highly visible.
Inside it's even heavier. Agents walk around the baggage claim area, some in pairs, others alone like Agent Lloyd Easterling.
They've been busy looking for illegal immigrants and there are smugglers who are using McCarran International Airport as their way to enter the U.S.
"We want to take this hub away from the criminals doing business, as far as illegal immigrants," said Agent Easterling.
Agent Easterling works in Yuma, Arizona. But he's stationed here right now because Las Vegas is becoming a hot spot for smugglers. Border patrol agents have the authority to approach anyone and ask them about their legal status.
"We walk up to somebody and ask them what time it is," said Agent Easterling. "They turn away from us, maybe show some nerves. All of sudden that raises our suspicion."
That suspicion is raising concerns that racial profiling against Hispanics may actually be taking place. Agent Easterling says that's just not the case.
"It stands to reason here, we're going to catch more Hispanics because Mexico is our closest neighbor it'll be different on the northern border. No racial profiling, absolutely not," said Agent Easterling.
Sometimes entire families, including the kids are apprehended during these operations. But agent Easterling, who is also a father, says emotions can't get in the way.
"No, no, because you can't personalize it. This is our job, this is the job we're in charge to do," said Agent Easterling.
Since Saturday 125 people have apprehended here in Las Vegas. From here they are taken to California where they are processed and depending on their case sent back to their native country.
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