TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Ajo Station encountered 231 Central Americans after they illegally entered the country and surrendered to agents west of Lukeville this morning.
At approximately 2 a.m., multiple technology systems spotted several groups in a remote area near Quitobaquito Springs. Border Patrol cameras continued to watch the groups while agents moved into the area.
A Department of Homeland Security health team was deployed to assist with medical evaluations for the group, which consisted of 231 individuals, mostly family units and unaccompanied juveniles from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
The crossing point the group used is the same location where a group of 399 people surrendered to agents last week. A few days after the group of nearly 400, armed smugglers were seen in the area directing a woman and child to cross the international border.
The vast majority of family units crossing the southwest border are surrendering immediately to Border Patrol agents.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.