Crisis level at an all-time high at Yuma Sector Border Patrol

The Yuma Sector Border Patrol is the fourth busiest sector and has surpassed San Diego, along with the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and Tucson.

This year alone, more than 30,000 migrants were arrested and 96 percent of those are coming from Central America.

In comparison to 2018, there were 26,000 migrants arrested. Agents are responsible for 126 miles that are patrolled by more than 800 agents. Recent large groups involving 300 and even 800 people at a time has agents asking for new infrastructure.

“A smuggler is collecting the money and then had already dug up holes and cut the wire and struck the group through here,” said Chief of Border Patrol, Anthony Porvaznik.

With the recent humanitarian mission, the chief added that it pulls their agents from doing their daily border security.

“That traffic is 90 percent of what we’re seeing that is taking up about 50 to 55 percent of my manpower to deal with this crisis,” said Porvaznik.

Deputy Chief of Border Patrol, Carl Landrum, calls this crisis a national emergency and even calling assistance from the Trump administration, Governor Doug Ducey, and even Senator Martha McSally.

“These people that are being placed into these difficult situations. It makes it very hard, not just on agents but throughout the entire system involved with this from CBP and The Department of Homeland Security,” said Deputy Chief Landrum.

Agents confirmed that the recent funding approval for the border wall will begin in the Berry Goldwater Range in the Yuma Sector.

The agency also confirmed that in four weeks, the construction for a more advanced wall will start that will include new roads and lighting systems.