State of Sonora announces new division of border operations

SAN LUIS, Mexico (KYMA, KECY) - The Sonora government now has a new way to secure the border between Mexico and the U.S.

The Division of Border Operations is a project of the Sonora Public Safety Department.

State police officers will be trained to patrol along the border including San Luis, Mexico.

The goal is to crack down drug smuggling and illegal activity before it flows into the United States, including Yuma County.

"We are starting a new security model, and I think we are giving shape and form to a new anti-criminal model for the border," said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo.

The officers are being trained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They will also learn about medical aid and how to deal with dangerous drugs like fentanyl.

Governor Durazo says this will create a better and deeper binational relationship between Mexico and the U.S.

"This model puts together the coordination and professionalism of the public safety and gives new methods to have a deeper and efficient binational cooperation," said Durazo.

But some residents in San Luis, Mexico don't think this new project won't help end the violence.

"It won't be enough. The government needs to step up. [It's] not safe. There are too many homicides," said resident Antonio Luna.

"The violence will continue. It won't stop because. It's like a poison, a big poison. Criminals make people pay extortions," said Armando Esparza, another resident.

The Division of Border Operations will be implemented in San Luis, Nogales, Agua Prieta and Sonoita.