To the editor:

I am writing this letter to you in regards to the recent article concerning the Border Patrol checkpoint near Paul Smiths (“Immigration checkpoint pops up near Paul Smiths” April 2). I would like to share my experiences at this checkpoint, which has been an active Border Patrol check point on and off for many years.

In the fall of 2013 (when Barack Obama was president), I approached the checkpoint from the north heading south. My wife, then fiancee, was with me at the time. As we proceeded to the stop point, I was asked if I was a U.S. Citizen, to which I replied yes. My fiancee stated she had a visa. (My wife is a native of the Philippians, and now has dual citizenship.) The Border Patrol agent asked for her paperwork, she gave it to him, he reviewed it and allowed us to proceed.

The second time we encountered this checkpoint was in 2014, again traveling north to south. At no time did we ever feel targeted. The Border Patrol agents are simply doing their job. They were kind, courteous and professional.

I have never believed that this checkpoint exists due to who is the president of the United States. This check point is set up in a strategic location to identify illegal activities coming from the northern border. I applaud our law enforcement efforts to keep us safe.

Thank you,

Dean Montroy

Bloomingdale