The Border Patrol has stepped up enforcement of immigration laws on the North Olympic Peninsula because of an influx of Homeland Security money and manpower.
“Just as with anything, if you have more manpower, of course you will expect more results, like any job,” said Michael Bermudez, spokesman for Border Patrol’s Blaine sector, of which the North Olympic Peninsula is part.
The Border Patrol has increased its highway checkpoints and has more agents active on the streets in recent weeks.
Checkpoints have included one at U.S. Highway 101 at Milepost 198 between Forks and Beaver, and another on state Highway 104 near the Hood Canal Bridge.
Joseph Giuliano, the Border Patrol’s deputy chief agent, said that a place chosen as a checkpoint location — but not yet used — is on Highway 101 south of Discovery Bay in Jefferson County.
Agents are looking for terrorists and illegal immigrants, Bermudez has said.
They also arrest people who have outstanding warrants.
Border Patrol agents are usually restricted to public areas — so they may be on the streets near homes, but they cannot go into homes unless in hot pursuit, Bermudez said.
