Arrests of illegal immigrants along border drop 25%

Arrests of illegal immigrants along the California-Mexico border declined 25% this year as a weak economy and bolstered enforcement efforts appear to be discouraging treks north, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said Tuesday.

Federal officials say the declining numbers show that increased enforcement, including fencing, staffing and infrastructure, are affecting migrant flows. Showing progress in securing the border is crucial for the Obama administration’s efforts to garner support for immigration reform legislation. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-border25-2009nov25,0,5713070.storyBy Richard Marosi — Los Angeles Times