An Exclusive Story: Border Strong

According to Yuma Sector Border Patrol, the southern border appears much different than it did 12 years ago. Before Yuma Sector increased their manpower and saw improvements in technology and infrastructure, agents would see thousands of people run and drive through Yuma’s border illegally. In 2005, agents saw the largest numbers of arrests. According to agents, they saw over 138,000 in the year alone. Fidel Cabrera, an agent with the Border Patrol said arresting people at the time was difficult. “Having to arrest one person is one thing,” Cabrera said. “But having to arrest 30, 40 or 50 people all at one, running at you all at once.” Comparing that number to 2017, agents have now made close to 3,000 arrests, almost a 99% decrease. Moreover, border patrol agents respond to family crossings near the San Luis Port of Entry while many air interdiction agents, or pilots, see illegal drug trafficking near Yuma’s desert mountains. In “Border Strong,” 13 On Your Side got an in-depth look at Yuma’s border. Agents walked us through the exact improvements that made for a safer southern border.