Checkpoint Losses

The loss of immigrants’ lives at the San Clemente checkpoint could be substantially reduced if the border patrol agents would pursue these people from the freeway shoulders, which would flush them inland, rather than from dirt side roads, which forces them toward the freeway.

Also, before any funds are allocated to enlarge this checkpoint, the agents should utilize the four existing lanes to their capacity and not block the No. 1 and No. 4 lanes with their vehicles. This change would double the traffic flow with no capital investment.

GARY PHILIPS, Newport Beach