Yuma Sector Border Patrol warns migrants about the dangers of crossing through the desert

FOX 9's Adam Klepp got an exclusive look at how the Search and Rescue Unit finds migrants who make distress calls

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Yuma Sector Border Patrol says a record number of migrants are still trying to cross into the U.S. through Yuma's desert.

It’s a major concern with scorching temperatures already here.

A Monday morning demonstration showed how Border Patrol's Search and Rescue Unit finds migrants who make the distress calls.

They use a specially trained dog, which follows the scent and footprints of a migrant in distress

This is just a training exercise, but local Border Patrol says it’s becoming more like a daily reality.

So far in the fiscal year 2022, the Yuma Sector says agents have rescued 208 migrants.

And say they’re ramping up protections for desert crossers as the summer comes.

“We’ve placed 124 signs in the desert from Yuma to Wellton with coordinates and instructions to call 911,” Yuma Sector Border Chief Patrol Officer Chris Clem said.

According to Clem, and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, the majority of those crossing through the desert are Mexican nationals.

A concern as well for the local Mexican consulate.

“Do not expose yourself to the risks of the desert,” Jose Antonio Larios Ponce said.

But for some migrants, this may be the only choice they have.

With Title 42 still in place, most Mexican migrants have to evade law enforcement for any chance to stay in the U.S.

Even if that means they're here illegally.

Because currently, if they're caught, under Title 42, They face immediate expulsion.

Unable to make their asylum claims, a right under U.S. law.

Clem says there's a different reason why these migrants are crossing through these parts of the desert.

“The exploitation by the smugglers is what’s leading to this issue, there’s no if ands or buts about it,” Clem said.

Clem adds he believes smugglers are using rhetoric from the U.S. Government to convince migrants to cross.

But makes his own message clear.

“Do not cross, stay with your families, seek legal means,” Clem said.