PORT ANGELES — Opponents of expanding the Border Patrol’s presence on the North Olympic Peninsula came out this week, as they did two years before, to say no to the placement of more federal agents in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
But this time just as many people, if not a few more, are coming out to voice their support for the Border Patrol.
On Wednesday, the two opposing groups with signs in hand stood a few yards apart on the sidewalk in front of the Eagles lodge building at 110 Penn St., where the Border Patrol wants to relocate its Port Angeles headquarters, and competed for honks of support from drivers passing by on U.S. Highway 101.
Representatives of both viewpoints also urged the Port Angeles City Council last Tuesday to support or oppose the expansion.
Supporters of the Border Patrol say the move, which would also double the number of agents on the Peninsula from 25 to 50, is needed to secure a porous border between U.S. and Canada and prevent the entry of terrorists and drug smugglers.
Chuck Maier of Sequim, when asked why he came out Wednesday to support the Border Patrol, responded quickly, “Border security. It’s very simple.”
Opponents say the expansion is a threat to civil liberties, a waste of taxpayers’ money and is another step toward militarizing the border.
Port Angeles resident Marilyn Harbaugh said she believes it will also lead to the “intimidation of a minority community.”
The numbers of people for and against the expansion were fairly even at both the council meeting and outside the Eagles lodge.
Four people spoke for the Border Patrol at the council meeting, and three spoke against it.
On Wednesday, opponents were slightly edged out again by nine people showing their support for the federal agency as of 5 p.m. At the same time, there were six people with signs protesting the planned expansion.
Present at the meeting Tuesday and outside the Eagles building on Wednesday were members of the Stop the Checkpoints Committee.
The group formed in 2008 in response to a rise in Border Patrol activity that was a result of an increase in agents on the Peninsula that started in 2006, when there were only four based in Port Angeles. The increased activity included roadblocks on U.S. Highway 101 intended to catch illegal immigrants.
“Until a few years ago, we had four Border Patrol agents,” said group member Eric Chester of Port Angeles during the public comment period. “Now we will have 50.
“At the same time we are cutting social services. That’s exactly the opposite priorities we should have.”
Others at the meeting said funding for more Border Patrol agents is money well spent, especially after 9/11.
“The Border Patrol is our first line of defense to protect us citizens and our borders,” said Jerry Sampont of Port Angeles.
“I’m proud to have them here and we’re lucky to have them here.”
Mayor Dan Di Guilio said Wednesday that the city will not take a position on the issue.
Chester said opponents will speak again at the council’s Sept. 7 meeting. They also will try to meet with Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, to voice their concerns. Dicks represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
Those supporting the Border Patrol said they have not planned any other actions.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
