AZMEX I3 21-8-18

AZMEX I3 21 AUG 2018


Agents Encounter 128 Aliens Abandoned by Smugglers
Release Date: August 21, 2018

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/agents-encounter-128-aliens-abandoned-smugglers

TUCSON, Ariz. – Ajo Station Border Patrol agents encountered a group of 128 illegal aliens several miles west of the Lukeville Port on Friday.
Agents patrolling near the international border fence found the group, presumably brought to the border by human smugglers who remained in Mexico.

The group was comprised of adults and children, some as young as four years of age, and are from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.
Agents also identified several adults in the group who had been previously been charged with immigration violations.
Agents medically evaluated all 128 immigrants and determined they were in good health.
Large group of aliens caught near Ajo
Crowd of aliens caught west of AZ POE

After transporting everyone to the Ajo Border Patrol station for processing, the immigrants were turned over to the Enforcement Removal Operations
within Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Transnational criminal organizations exploit the vulnerability of foreign nationals with false promises of legal status
and encourage dangerous crossing methods, placing their safety 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;
especially during the summer months when desert temperatures can exceed 120 degrees.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community.
Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435Call: 1-877-872-7435 toll free.
All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

END


Note: the AP version.
Thx


Smugglers abandon group of 128 migrants in southern Arizona desert
The Associated Press
Aug 21, 2018 Updated 16 min ago

https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/smugglers-abandon-group-of-migrants-in-southern-arizona-desert/article_445be349-b693-5d34-8e5c-eddfe781d578.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1.

128 immigrants found abandoned in Arizona
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Border Patrol says 128 immigrants believed to be abandoned by smugglers in a remote desert area at the Arizona border with Mexico are facing deportation.

Agents at the Ajo Station patrolling near a border fence say the group included children — some as young as 4 — from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.

The immigrants were found Friday after apparently being brought to the border by human smugglers who remained in Mexico.

Authorities say all the immigrants were medically evaluated and determined to be in good health before they were processed
and turned over to the enforcement removal operations within Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Agents identified several adults in the group who had been previously charged with immigration violations.

END