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  4. Smuggling Arrests Increase at El Centro Sector Border Patrol Checkpoints

Smuggling Arrests Increase at El Centro Sector Border Patrol Checkpoints

Release Date
Fri, 09/07/2018

INDIO, Calif.El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to both the Highway 86 and Highway 111 checkpoints have increased arrests by more than 100%.

Primarily used to enforce immigration laws, agents assigned to checkpoints also have authority to enforce other laws designated to them by law.

So far this fiscal year, El Centro sector’s checkpoints have yielded much higher apprehensions than fiscal year 2017.  Smuggling cases have drastically increased by over 200%, both in alien smuggler and smuggled aliens arrests during checkpoint operations.  Fiscal year to date 2017, El Centro sector recorded 68 alien smuggling loads, compared to 210 this current fiscal year to date.  That translates to 297 people arrested so far this year, compared to 95 last year.

“These increases in apprehensions are indicative of our agents’ diligence and hard work, often under extreme weather conditions.  Our checkpoints will continue to be a second line of defense against the illegal activity of trans-national criminal organizations,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.

The checkpoints have interdicted more than 1,360 lbs. of methamphetamine and significant amounts of other dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine.

For recent Border Patrol law enforcement activities at the El Centro Sector checkpoints go here for Highway 86 and here for Highway 111.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021