Made in Mexico CBP Uniforms

[fedscout]

'Made in Mexico' Uniforms Miff Border Patrol Cops

The Associated Press

The labels inside the U.S. Border Patrol uniforms have been making many federal agents feel uneasy. It's not the fit or feel of the olive-green shirts and pants, but what their labels read: "Made in Mexico."
"It's embarrassing to be protecting the U.S.-Mexico border and be wearing a uniform made in Mexico," says T.J. Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a 6,500-member union.
Agents and lawmakers are concerned about the consequences if the uniforms for agents charged with combating illegal immigration fall into the hands of criminals or terrorists.
"If we're manufacturing uniforms in Mexico, what's to stop someone from walking across the border in a Border Patrol uniform?" asked Rep. John Carter, a Republican from Round Rock. "How do you know who are our guys and who are their guys?"
For more than a year, the shirts and pants worn by agents and inspectors with U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been made in Mexico. The uniforms are supplied by VF Solutions of Nashville, Tenn., which subcontracts its work to plants in the United States, Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republican.
"The principle of it seems almost like an oxymoron," said James Stack, the National Border Patrol Council's vice president for the region that includes Texas and New Mexico. "Most agents don't like it."
Customs officials say they haven't detected any security breaches or misuse of the uniforms. Strict security measures are in place, including on-site inspections at the Mexican plant. U.S. officials conducted a review in August, a statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection released Wednesday said.
"Based on this review, a report will be submitted to the CBP commissioner for determination on the made-in-Mexico issue, and no decisions have been made at this point," the statement said.
House members are expected to consider new immigration and border security measures after the Thanksgiving congressional break. Carter and Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz. say they plan to press a measure that would require the uniforms be made in the United States. Renzi said he wants Republican House leaders to include the requirement as part of an immigration enforcement measure expected to be introduced in early December.
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Information from: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, http://www.star-telegram.com

I felt the same way when the military went from the Colt 1911 to the Banana, I mean, Beretta 92F. I tend to feel that military & law enforcement should have American made equipment, unless it's not available homemade. JMHO.
It's nice that the issue is being looked at. Surely the extra money that might have to be spent on U.S. made uniforms can come out of the comment card & tree-hugging poster fund.

[K-9MALY]

I love my Mexican uniform! It makes me feel the love to know the lowest bidder got involved in the process of sewing too.

[FSCF3801]

I love my Mexican uniform! It makes me feel the love to know the lowest bidder got involved in the process of sewing too.

I bet they claimed NAFTA when importing the uniforms...... Way to go to the lowest bidder. IMO they should keep it made in the good ol' USA!!!!!! But then again who am I, as I am just a lowly government employee :(

[BrickCop]

Oh no, what will that great leader Vincente Fox think of us now?! :rolleyes: The only one who gives a **** is Bush. It's pretty sad- they're uniforms not Swiss watches, Americans should be able to handle it.

That's why I get a kick out of Wal-Mart, they wave the American flag with one hand while whoring out "Made in China" crapola with the other.

[FSCF3801]

It's pretty sad- they're uniforms not Swiss watches, Americans should be able to handle it.

It's the point of the matter that bothers me......

[BrickCop]

It's the point of the matter that bothers me......

I'm with you brother.

[K-9MALY]

Wouldn't it be funny if we caught an illegal out in the boonies one cold dark night, and he told us "I sewed your shirt, and I was just coming to check to see if it fit you...honestly!"

[JBT]

Now I have heard everything, thank goodness I got out of that agency when I did. I really feel for you all.

Hey, FSCF, who got the big bust at the Bridge the other day. What was it, 50 some odd kilos of cocaine. That is HUGE!!! Thankfully, they didn't see Chewy, he probably would have just stamped the paperwork and sent them down the road, being I am sure all he could see the last week was green rolling hills and pints of Guiness. j/k.