Border issue moves into landowners' yards
"The Bush administration warned landowners along the southern border Friday that it would seize their property if they refused to cooperate with federal efforts to build a fence meant to slow illegal immigration.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he would give landowners 30 days to indicate whether they would allow federal officials on their land to survey its suitability for fencing. If they decline, he said, he would turn to the courts to gain temporary access.
If the agency determines the land is appropriate for fencing and landowners refuse to cooperate, the department will turn to the courts to get title."
NICOLE GAOUETTE in the Los Angeles Times.