Migrant deaths nearly 4 times higher compared to last year

30 migrant deaths so far this year in Yuma Sector alone - News 11's Arlette Yousif reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The number of migrant deaths in the Yuma Sector desert is already up to 30 this year. Last year, there was a total of seven deaths. While most deaths are heat-related, some are a result of violence by border bandits, according to the Yuma Sector U.S. Border Patrol.

"We've got several instances on video where migrants are getting robbed, showing bandit activity out in our AOR," says Yuma Sector Border Patrol Supervisor Vincent Dulesky.

Dulesky says the bandits are not U.S. citizens and are likely from Mexico. Once they see a vulnerable group of migrants trying to make it across the border, they interfere either to take the few items they have with them or to take advantage of them. In some encounters, migrants are getting assaulted by criminals.

"We've got several instances on video where migrants are getting robbed, showing bandit activity out in our [area of responsibility]," explains Dulesky.

The Yuma Sector area of responsibility accounts for not only the border, but also the desert surrounding it.

"They’re doing everything they can to take advantage of, you know, the traffic coming over, whether they’re robbing them or impeding their travel. There’s a lot of that activity going on here," says Dulesky.

All while apprehensions at the border are at record highs.

Over the weekend, we had over 2,400 apprehensions. Kind of a record weekend for us. Friday alone, we had over 940. That’s the biggest number this fiscal year," explains Dulesky.

Dulesky says there were at least 13 groups of 40 or more migrants.

"We’re finding that a lot of these groups are coming over in air-conditioned buses or vans, stuff like that. I think more the words getting out that they’re able to come and once they cross, they’re able to stay," explains Dulesky.

Some unknowingly shuttled by the cartel.

"Cartels have transportation systems along with recruiting systems that aid them coming through Mexico. And once they get here, they’re just stepping off a bus and walking across the border and looking or a border patrol agent to turn themselves in to," says Dulesky.

Rescues have also gone up to over 420 this year. Last year there were just over 100.

All Yuma Sector holding facilities are over-capacity. Still, agents have been able to make the limited space work.