I have always believed we need to protect our borders. And for the most part, I have been reasonably confident that the Border Patrol of Homeland Security was doing its best to ensure the safety of the American people. But I’m losing confidence, and losing it fast!

I’m no stranger to the border. I’ve visited certain areas and while they appear to be secure, the reality is that the United States is overflowing with illegal Mexican immigrants. So, they’re getting in. That’s obvious. And unfortunately, many of those who cross the border without papers are criminals. And we all know that criminals cost taxpayers money.

Those of us living in Oregon sometimes feel like we’re immune to the issues related to illegal immigration. But that’s not true. We are also faced with criminal elements arriving to live in our state. What’s happening in larger cities is starting to happen here in the Pacific Northwest.

Recently, a guy named Brandon Judd has been speaking out against the newest border control policies under the Obama Administration. Judd is the President of the National Border Patrol Council and worked as Border Patrol Agent for 16 years, so he knows what he’s talking about.  He says that the Obama Administration has manipulated data and that the Border Patrol is no longer a specialized team upholding the law, but rather is becoming “a political arm of the Administration.”

Here’s what Judd has a problem with: Under the new policy, Border Patrol agents have been instructed to no longer give undocumented immigrants NTAs (Notice to Appear). As a result of this “go free policy, thousands of Latinos have crossed the border, and among them area hundreds of criminal foot soldiers.

This policy makes no logical sense and does not have any long-term thinking involved. It’s a sell out! What is going on? Who is minding the store? And who is going to circle the wagons? Shouldn’t we as Americans protest? Shouldn’t we draw the line where the line needs to be drawn?

Americans have more freedoms than any other country in the world, and that’s why everyone wants to come here. But we need to protect ourselves and protect our children – they are the ones who will inherit what we leave behind.

It’s time to start a conversation and to educate ourselves. Meanwhile, I’ll keep watch on our friend Judd and the goings on with the U.S. Border Patrol.