Checkpoint Is Miles From Problem

Regarding reader responses to the Feb. 17 editorial, “A Bit of Medical Advice”: As director of a regional trauma center, my obligation is not only trauma care but prevention. Trauma care is very expensive. Society has limited financial resources for health care.

The trauma center serves as a resource for focused trauma prevention. Injury to illegal immigrants is one of those focused efforts. The injured illegal immigrants in our facility are a result of INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) chases. Never has an illegal immigrant been taken in custody following discharge from our facility when the hospitalization was a result of an INS chase. If an INS agent pursues an illegal immigrant, resulting in injury, and does not arrest the victim or upon discharge from our hospital does not pick up the patient and return them to their native country, then why the chase?

The Border Patrol checkpoint at San Onofre creates the most dangerous segment of our freeway system in California, if not the country. For every pedestrian killed or injured, there are citizens who will never forget killing or injuring another human being.

Why do we have a checkpoint 60 miles from the problem? The problem needs another solution and should start in Washington and be enforced at the border in a consistent, effective manner. Checkpoints at a distance from the border should be removed as they are too hazardous and place our resources where the problem is not--60 miles from the border.

DR. THOMAS SHAVER

Mission Viejo