Border Patrol: Apprehensions at an all-time low
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY)- The U.S Customs and Border Protection confirms that the department has seen an uptick in a different demographic of migrants crossing at the southwest border.
“We are seeing people coming from places like India, Brazil, Cuba, and China," said Assistant Cheif Patrol Agent Joseph Dressler.
Just six-months ago, agents would apprehend anywhere from 400 to 450 people in the Yuma Sector, the month of May marks the height of the humanitarian crisis where agents made 14 thousand apprehensions.
Fast forward to now in November, agents are now apprehending 20 to 30 people in the Yuma Sector, that's a little over 700 total for the month.
“The cartels and the smuggling organizations are finding different demographics to continue to profit," said Agent Dressler.
Agent Dressler tells News 11 that there are several reasons behind the decline in numbers including Mexican government efforts to stop the flow of traffic at its southern border, and the new border wall currently under construction.
“The new wall has been very effective at stopping illegal entry in that area, but smugglers are continuing to adapt," said Agent Dressler.
Agents with the Yuma Sector confirmed there will be a new permanent processing center that will replace the current soft-sided facility expected to be removed this May. The new facility will serve as a regional hub and the scheduled completion date is 2021.
