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 / Modified sep 7, 2018 12:14 p.m.

Border Patrol: Apprehensions of Large Migrant Groups Becoming 'Trend'

Agents have encountered large groups in Southern Arizona's west desert several times this year. by Michel Marizco, Fronteras Desk

Border Patrol vehicle fence hero A Border Patrol vehicle at the fence on the U.S.-Mexico border near Nogales.
AZPM Staff

The U.S. Border Patrol has been apprehending large groups of immigrants who crossed the border illegally in Southern Arizona’s west desert.

Last Saturday, agents working near Lukeville, Arizona, apprehended 163 people from Central American countries.

"This was one group, but they were spread out into about 50 people in about a half-mile radius," said Border Patrol spokeswoman Stephanie Dixon.

Among the group were immigrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, including a 4-month-old child. Agents have encountered large groups in the area several times this year.

"It is fairly new for us but it’s becoming a trend," Dixon said.

She said smugglers had informed the immigrants they would be apprehended then released. Dixon said the group was processed for immigration violations.

Fronteras Desk
This story is from the Fronteras Desk, a collaboration of Southwestern public radio stations, including NPR 89.1. Read more from the Fronteras Desk.
MORE: Border, Fronteras Desk, Immigration, News
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