YUMA -  U.S. Congressman Steve King (IA-05), Ranking Member of the House Immigration Subcommittee, and Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff yesterday investigated the progress of border fence construction along the U.S. southern border.

King is inspecting the southern border with Chertoff and a small Congressional delegation.

The group examined the miles of fencing that has been constructed since the President signed King's fence bill last fall. Miles of 20-foot high double fencing, ground sensors, cameras and patrols now stand in areas with typically high illegal traffic. In the San Luis area, an area with a new border fence, the number of illegals apprehended are down from 138,000 two years ago to 15,000.

“When America spoke, Congress listened and built the wall,” said King. “We have proof it is effective, as the wall is constructed, the number of illegal crossings has gone down.”

Congress authorized 854 miles of double fence or wall, including sensors, cameras, and lighting.  Congress also provided $1.187 billion for construction this year.  The work that King and Chertoff inspected is the first several miles of the project. 

"We have made a good start and we have a long way to go to get operational control of the border," added King.