Who’s to Blame for Migrant’s Death?

Re “Man Running From INS Falls Off Cliff, Dies” (April 7): I think it’s time to listen to those of us U.S. citizens who support our country’s laws and the efforts of our understaffed Border Patrol officers and their attempts to minimize this disgusting tide of illegal immigrants. Are we supposed to make it even easier for them to illegally cross our borders?

Frankly, I’m in favor of completely shutting down our borders--with the military if necessary. We cannot afford the stresses these illegal immigrants place on our social services, schools, hospitals, etc.

Who is burdened with the medical bills associated with these illegal immigrants who, while fleeing our authorities, injured themselves? I’m sure they can’t afford the medical treatment they received, and I doubt that the Mexican government will reimburse Scripps Memorial Hospital. I suspect we, once again, the citizens of this country, will eventually bear the cost.

To attack the Border Patrol for doing its job is analogous to telling a local police officer not to arrest a thief because the thief is poor and is just trying to improve his situation. I strongly agree that the smuggler in this case should be charged with the death of the illegal immigrant.

It’s unfortunate that the conditions in Mexico encourage these people, but we can no longer accept any and all comers. It’s time that we take care of our own and support those who are doing the job they’re paid to do.

JIM DAVIS

Orange