Hundreds of migrants crossing daily in the area, the U.S. government took the step on Monday to indefinitely close the nearby international crossing between Lukeville, Arizona, and Sonoyta, Mexico. This decision aimed to free Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the port of entry to assist with transportation and other support. Additionally, the agency has partially closed several other border ports of entry in recent months, including a pedestrian crossing in San Diego and a bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas.
In response to the situation, Customs and Border Protection stated on Sunday that they are continually deploying personnel and resources to the Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector to promptly take migrants into custody. Emphasizing their commitment to enforcing the law, the agency stated, “The fact is we are enforcing the law, and there are consequences for those who fail to use lawful pathways.”
The agency highlighted that individuals encountered at the border undergo screening and vetting, and those without a legal basis to stay are removed. Consequences may include a minimum five-year bar on re-entry. Additionally, the agency is directing efforts toward combating smugglers and transportation networks, such as bus lines, that facilitate the movement of migrants through northern Mexico.