BP nabs 654 illegal entrants in two days
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector apprehended a total of 654 illegal entrants who surrendered in multiple groups to agents on Monday and Tuesday. Most of them had been traveling in families or were unaccompanied minors.
Agent Justin Kallinger of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office said the groups primarily consisted of Guatemalan nationals, who are not believed to be associated with the large caravan being monitored traveling through Mexico at this time.
“The groups illegally entered on both sides of the San Luis port of entry where there is outdated border wall infrastructure,” Kallinger said.
More groups, he continued, are now also starting to enter the country illegally by crossing shallow portions of the Colorado River near Yuma.
The largest apprehension happened at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday night, when a group of 55 Central Americans waded across the river near County 9th Street and surrendered to agents after walking around vehicle barriers.
Kallinger explained that the area lacks infrastructure that would prevent pedestrian entries.
Yuma Sector apprehensions in fiscal year 2019, which began last month, are up over 150 percent compared to this date in fiscal 2018. Also, total fiscal year 2018 numbers were more than double total fiscal year 2017 numbers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could save someone’s life.