Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station in southwestern Arizona encountered several large groups of Central American families totaling nearly 400 persons after they illegally entered the country west of the Lukeville port of entry last weekend.
The first group, totaling 216 illegal aliens, was encountered early Saturday morning. Agents operating mobile surveillance technology spotted the group spread out along a desolate road that parallels the international boundary fence.
Composed of mostly family units of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the group is consistent with dozens of other large groups arrested in the area over the past few months.
Monday morning, agents encountered a large group totaling 179 persons. Much like the first, the group was comprised of Central American family units and children, who sought agents out after entering the country illegally.
Agents patrolling in surrounding areas were diverted to the area to process both groups. All persons were transported to the Ajo Station.
The station, on the edge of the Tohono O’Odham Nation reservation, is remote and desolate. To cross the border there, migrants are often committing to several days in the desert, with little prospect of relief.
