Before they had a chance to search him. the man pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and shot one Inspector in the face and the otter In the chest. The inspectors fired back 1. protect themselves. Both Inspectors are now recovering from surgery. but they are lucky. Other Customs and INS Inspectors have been killed in the line of duty. and their names are listed on the wall of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The shootout at Calexico last Friday Is not an Isolated incident. The callous. singleminded ruthlessness of drug smugglers put Customs and Immigration inspectors lives at risk every slngle day. One INS inspector at the San Ysldro port. Paul Cannon. has had to draw his service revolver four times in the last four years.
Identified stereotypes
Drug smugglers are callous and ruthless.