YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from Blythe Station assisted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office during a narcotics raid on a suspected illegal marijuana grow site near Palo Verde College in Blythe, California, Wednesday morning.
Sheriff's and ICE-HSI on illegal marijuana
grow operation
During the multi-agency operation, 104 subjects were detained, including approximately 80 individuals from the People’s Republic of China. Border Patrol agents, along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and RCSO, conducted interviews and record checks to determine the immigration status of each subject. After interviewing all of the subjects, HSI determined that 14 Chinese nationals were in violation of immigration status. An additional two subjects, from Guatemala and Mexico, were found to be illegally present in the United States. The remainder of the subjects were determined to be legally present in the United States.
Border Patrol agents transported the 16 individuals with immigration violations to Yuma Station for processing. Two individuals, who were allegedly running the illegal grow site, were taken into custody by HSI.
Raids on marijuana grow sites are extremely dangerous. Besides the potential for violence, there have been documented cases of grow sites containing booby-traps, first responders have been electrocuted by makeshift wiring that growers add to steal electricity for the high-energy consumption required on marijuana grows. In addition to the potential for fire hazards, other risks on grow sites range from dangerous molds to toxins from fertilizers.
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 result in saving someone’s life.