Border Patrol union president: 'I'm working for free' to secure the border

Entering day five of a partial government shutdown, National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd says he "100 percent supports" President Donald Trump's demands for a border wall, even though Judd is working without pay.

Speaking to KTAR News 92.3 FM Wednesday, Judd explained his support for Trump, who is demanding a down payment of $5 billion for a security wall on the southern border. Democrats have refused to vote for wall funding, and so the government is partially closed until a deal is struck.

Many federal workers, including Judd, are working without pay.

“I’m working for free, so I do have skin in the game,” Judd said. “This is personally impacting me but I do believe walls are so important.

“Border Patrol agents know how important the walls are and how effective walls have been. We need walls, especially as we continue to see the number of illegal aliens crossing the border. We’ve got to put in the physical barriers.”

Physical barriers are proven to be effective in curbing illegal immigration and making the border safer. After a 14-mile stretch of double-layer fencing was constructed in San Diego, Calif., apprehensions of illegal immigrants attempting to cross into the U.S. from Tijuana, Mexico fell 95 percent.

“Walls are extremely important,” Judd said. “They help us do our job.”

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