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  4. Large Group Undeterred by Infrastructure West of Lukeville

Large Group Undeterred by Infrastructure West of Lukeville

Release Date
Tue, 04/09/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station encountered a large group of Central Americans after they illegally entered the country west of Lukeville Monday morning.

The group spread out before illegally entering in multiple locations throughout the same remote stretch of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument west of the Port of Lukeville. Consisting of 135 individuals, mostly family units, the group exploited and surrendered in the same area as previous large groups.

Lukeville agents apprehended 135 persons west of Lukeville on Monday morning
Lukeville agents apprehended 135 persons
west of Lukeville on Monday morning

To ensure the wellbeing and quick transportation of the families in the rising heat, resources were reallocated to the area, causing the two Border Patrol checkpoints on State Route 85 to be temporarily closed.   

Illicit transnational criminal organizations exploit the vulnerability of foreign nationals with false promises of legal status and encourage dangerous border crossings, placing lives at risk.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021