The Border Patrol's $13M repatriation program is designed as a 'lifesaver.'

LUKE TURF

More than 2,500 Mexicans have taken flights home at U.S. taxpayers' expense since the Border Patrol began flying illegal immigrants deep into Mexico, according to a Border Patrol news release.
Flights to Mexico City and Guadalajara have carried 1,988 men, 578 women and 361 juveniles since the voluntary program, Interior Repatriation, began July 12, the release states.

Border Patrol spokesman Andy Adame wouldn't say how many of those flown back have been caught sneaking over the border again.

Because of the high number of immigrants taking advantage of what the Border Patrol considers a "lifesaving" program, the agency has added a second daily flight.

The program, estimated to cost $13 million, is aimed at getting immigrants out of smugglers' hands. The Border Patrol traditionally has dropped illegal immigrants at the border, where smugglers could wait to guide other attempts.

According to Border Patrol statistics, 15 immigrants died crossing the border in the Tucson sector in the 12 days before the program. Since the program started, seven immigrants have died.

In the same two weeks in 2003, 32 migrants died, according to Border Patrol statistics.