The Yuma Sector Border Patrol continues to deal with the influx of migrants

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Sector Border Patrol tells News 11 that the number of fears is roughly double that of agents last fiscal year.

The issue has been the focus since the Biden government lifted the so-called “Remain in Mexico” policy.

“We have arrested just over 8,600 illegal aliens so far this fiscal year,” said Agent Vincent Dulesky of Yuma Sector Border Patrol.

In the past fiscal year, that number was 4,400. According to Border Patrol, most of the fears are in vulnerable areas of the border wall, where migrants on foot can often simply walk over and surrender to agents.

About a month ago, agents arrested an average of up to 20 migrants a day. But now they are experiencing between 80 and 200 a day. So why the increase? Agent Dulesky said several factors play a role here.

“The end of the migrant protection program … cartels are finding ways to fill the gaps we have in the border wall system.”

So far this year around 150 migrants have been admitted to Yuma County. It has drawn the attention of state and local officials alike. Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls recently asked for additional help for migrant families.

GOP Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Arizona), who represents northern Yuma County, also called on the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) to consolidate the released migrants, although they are not responsible.

But Agent Dulesky said this was a multi-faceted problem with no immediate solution.

“That is one of the consequences of the increase in our numbers. This combined with the challenges we have with COVID-19 … it really strains our detention areas and that means we have less space to hold these people and we have less time to hold these individuals. “

Agent Dulesky said he doesn’t necessarily expect this trend to continue, but he does reassure the public that the necessary resources are being used to keep the community safe.

“The goalposts haven’t changed, the agents are still out here.”

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