Montana lawmakers spar on border security

Proposed federal laws dealing with jurisdiction on federal land near the nation's borders that has raised ire on both sides of the issue in Montana is getting increased attention in Washington.

Federal agents trying to patrol the U. S.-Mexico border say they're hampered by laws that keep them from driving vehicles on huge swaths of land because it falls under U. S. environmental protection, leaving it to wildlife — and illegal immigrants and smugglers who can walk through the territory undisturbed.

A growing number of lawmakers are saying such restrictions have turned wilderness areas int...