Burning Atlanta

Typically, illegals from Mexico are just released back to Mexico. The "Catch and Release" policy concerning OTMs (Other Than Mexicans) has been modified. But, finally, they're taking a little stronger stand in some areas of the border and putting the gate-crashers in jail.

Dobbs

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Two weeks ago, Laredo, Texas, chief Border Patrol Agent Carlos Carrillo told a local town hall meeting -- quote -- "I have said it before, and I will say it again. The Border Patrol's job is not to stop illegal immigrants. The Border Patrol's job is not to stop narcotics. The Border Patrol's mission is not to do any of those things. The Border Patrol's mission is to stop terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering this country."

Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo called for his resignation. Border Patrol agents were outraged.

T.J. BONNER, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BORDER PATROL COUNCIL: I was quite shocked and baffled to see that in print. And I'm sure that he meant something different than that, but it sure didn't come across well to the rank and file.

WIAN: Sector Chief Carrillo says, "It's painfully obvious to me that I could have done a better job of articulating my talking points."

He also wrote a clarification letter to "The Laredo Morning Times," saying that, while stopping terrorism is the Border Patrol's priority, his agents continue their traditional mission, apprehending nearly 52,000 illegal aliens and 62 tons of narcotics this year alone.

Now Texas Congressman John Culberson says Carrillo has agreed to adopt the Operation Streamline zero-tolerance policy already in place in Del Rio, Texas. There, all illegal aliens caught crossing the border face prosecution and six months in jail.

REP. JOHN CULBERSON (R), TEXAS: I now can report for the first time here on Lou Dobbs' show that I have also secured the same commitment from Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar, has promised me that he is going to work not only to support Chief Carrillo in implementing zero tolerance in Laredo, but Chief Aguilar has now committed that he is going to implement zero tolerance from Brownsville to San Diego.

WIAN: The Border Patrol confirms the agreement, with the caveat that Congress must provide more resources, for example, prosecutors, marshals, and jail staff.

Will that commitment be funded or is it just talk?