Happy campers in their RVs embarked with joyous smiles as the Lukeville Port of Entry resumed operations, granting access to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) for business. The closure prompted residents on both sides to scrutinize the decision-makers responsible for its initial imposition, raising queries about the rationale behind the closure.
In a conversation with Michelle Valisto, the manager of Arribas in Ajo, the relief she felt about the reopening of the Lukeville Port of Entry was mixed with regret about the unnecessary economic adversity suffered by the business. This financial strain extends to residents on both sides of the border. Michelle conveyed a poignant account shared by her close friend, Gina, an employee of the local Chevron, and resident near the recent Cartel turf war. Recounting the distressing incident, Michelle stated, “She could witness the truck doors opening, the sight of blood – it left her truly frightened.”
AZ: NEW: Cartel shootout across the border from Lukeville yesterday according to Border Patrol sources—Machine gun fire was heard by national guard members operating a surveillance system—3 vehicles outfitted with weapons carrying people were spotted near the international… pic.twitter.com/pRmed8oWNt
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) December 30, 2023
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) on Wednesday welcomed the reopening of a key entry at the border with Mexico but warned against future closures. After immense pressure to act, Hobbs said the closure of the Lukeville, Arizona port of entry, which provides over a million lawful entries per year into the Unite States, was unnecessary.
“The closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry caused a month of strain and concern for Arizona’s border communities. While the reopening is welcome news, this closure shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” she said in her statement.
December marked a historic month, registering a staggering 302,000 migrant encounters by the Border Patrol along the Southern Border. In response to this surge, Hobbs invoked the assistance of the National Guard, seeking supplementary resources. Regrettably, the presence of the National Guard at the border remains elusive, save for a sporadic sighting of a couple of Guardsmen in an unmarked vehicle, pausing momentarily for refreshments at a gas station. This singular encounter stands as the sole interaction with the agents, who were unable to divulge the specifics of their deployment.
“This was an irresponsible and reckless move that should have never happened. Not only did this create financial turmoil for border communities within Arizona who rely on the tourism traffic to and from Rocky Point to support their families, but the closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry also put unnecessary stress and strain on our citizens and commerce who depend on a safe and direct route to this popular destination,” said Senator Shope.
“While I’m glad Lukeville is reopening on Thursday, the official statement from the federal government includes an absurd claim that ‘CBP will continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation,’ which is a blatant lie. The American people aren’t dumb. Nothing has changed at the border to prompt the opening of Lukeville. Thousands of illegals, many of which are criminals and terrorists, continue to pour into our state on a daily basis, overwhelming our brave law enforcement personnel. This was purely a political move after Republican lawmakers put immense pressure on the Biden Administration to open this critical artery for commerce and legal traffic. I’m grateful for the support of Arizona’s Congressional Delegation who pressed Secretary Mayorkas to reverse this closure. I will continue to demand Joe Biden secure our border once and for all, and to never again resort to closing our ports of entry.”
On this day, businesses on both sides of the border partake in a celebratory atmosphere. However, amidst the jubilation, the lingering impact of lost tourism revenue due to closures remains etched in the memories of those unwittingly thrust into an ongoing human trafficking conflict, as they grapple with the repercussions of a situation in which they never sought involvement.
Read more from Sean Campbell, The Machine Keeps Turning