Yuma Sector detains over 650 illegal immigrants

Yuma Sector Border Patrol apprehended 654 illegal immigrants, that consisted of families and unaccompanied children, on Monday and Tuesday.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the groups were mainly Guatemalan nationals who authorities do not believe are associated with the large caravan currently traveling through Mexico. The groups entered the country through both sides of the San Luis Port of Entry. These areas have outdated border wall infrastructure, according to CBP. Larger numbers have begun to enter the U.S. illegally through shallow parts of the Colorado River near Yuma.

At about 8:30 p.m. Monday evening, 55 Central Americans crossed the river near County 9th Street and surrendered to agents after walking around vehicle barriers. The area lacks infrastructure that would discourage pedestrians from entering, authorities said.

CBP added that Yuma Sector’s year-to-date apprehensions are up over 150 percent compared to this date in the fiscal year 2018.