Operation Sandman Leads to 204 Arrests

During a three-week Border Patrol operation, special agents apprehended 204 suspects west of Yuma in the Imperial Sand Dunes. It took place between February and March. 175 of them were foreign nationals who illegally entered the United States and 29 of them were American citizens who were arrested for coordinating the smuggling. Several of the people tried running away from law enforcement through the irrigation canals, vehicles, or on foot. Nineteen vehicles were involved in the incident and seized by law enforcement.

Yuma Sector’s Special Operations Detachment and Intelligence Unit as well as the El Centro Sector’s Intelligence Unit participated in Operation Sandman. That included certified special operations agents from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, Border Patrol Search & Trauma Rescue Unit, and the Special Operations Group. In order to be a certified agent, they must go through an intense training regimen. The local intelligence units are responsible for analyzing and providing intelligence support through specialized units that counteract transnational crime and terrorism.

If you are a citizen and see suspicious activity, you can report it to Border Patrol by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free.