Two large Central American groups totaling 124 adults and children were encountered by agents assigned to the Ajo and Casa Grande Border Patrol stations within a 24 hour period.
The first group was discovered by Casa Grande agents early Wednesday morning near Santa Cruz. The group of family units, was found near a remote Border Patrol camp after they illegally entered the country.
Later that afternoon, Ajo agents encountered a second group several miles west of the Lukeville Port of Entry. This group also consisted of family units and was found in an area where agents apprehended thousands of illegal aliens this past summer.
The groups were comprised of Guatemalan and Honduran men, women, and children, ranging in age from 4 months to 53 years.
Agents transported the groups to the respective stations for further processing, where biometric and database searches determined that seven men and one woman have previous immigration violations, some with previous deportations.
Illicit transnational criminal organizations exploit the vulnerability of foreign nationals with false promises of legal status and encourage dangerous border crossings, placing lives at risk.
The Border Patrol’s mission is to protect U.S. borders between official ports of entry, but agents are equally concerned with the safety of anyone they encounter. Tucson Sector Border Patrol officials continue to publicize warnings about the dangers of entering the U.S. illegally.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.