Yuma Sector Border Patrol Surpasses 50,000 Apprehensions in FY19

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector ranks third in the nation for total apprehensions along the Southwest Border, and has spent more than $1 million in humanitarian costs for the care of families and unaccompanied alien children in custody in fiscal year 2019.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents have apprehended more than 50,000 illegal aliens since the start of fiscal year 2019, continuing the trend of doubling apprehensions each year.

• Fiscal year 2018: more than 26,000 apprehended
• Fiscal year 2017: more than 12,000 apprehended

This week, Yuma Sector has detained three large groups of illegal aliens. On Monday, agents apprehended nearly 800. On Tuesday, another 500 illegal aliens were detained, and by Wednesday morning, Yuma Station agents took nearly 160 illegal aliens into custody east of San Luis.

“As these illegal border crossings overwhelm the capacity of our resources and personnel, we remain committed to treat each person we encounter with courtesy and respect, caring for their needs, while protecting individuals from human trafficking and other threats as we enforce U.S. immigration law,” said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Carl Landrum. “Awareness of the large illegal immigration inflows, of which only 6.4% make a political asylum claim is vital to gaining public and congressional support for a modern immigration system to close legal loopholes, strengthen laws, prosecute violators, and provide funding for infrastructure and support along our nation’s borders.”

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.