In response to a recent increase in migrants and an ongoing heat wave, US border officials are increasing personnel and transportation resources in Ajo, Arizona, one of the most isolated and hazardous areas along the Southwest border.
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection stated, “Border Patrol has prioritized the rapid transportation of noncitizens encountered in this desert environment, which is particularly hazardous under current weather conditions, to Border Patrol facilities where they can receive medical care, food, and water.”
A heat advisory is in effect until Sunday evening for Ajo. The National Weather Service forecasts “dangerously hot conditions” and peak temperatures between 106 and 112 degrees.
According to the Border Patrol, the increase in migration at Ajo is caused by human smuggling organizations diverting migrants to some of the most hazardous terrain, including the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
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Detention Conditions at Ajo Station: 15-hour Average, Outdoor Waiting for Adult Males, Indoor for Women and Children
According to the Border Patrol, the average length of detention at the Ajo station is 15 hours, with some migrants spending a portion of that time waiting outside to be transported. According to the agency, the fenced-in outdoor area is covered by a large canopy and migrants have access to large fans, food, water, and restrooms. Only adult males are confined in the outdoor area, while women, children, and members of vulnerable populations are detained inside the station.
“USBP has utilized outdoor shaded areas only when necessary and for very brief periods while awaiting transport to larger facilities,” according to a spokesperson for the agency. The Ajo Border Patrol Station is not outfitted to house a significant number of migrants due to the area’s historical migration patterns.
According to the Border Patrol, after screening at Ajo Station, migrants are transported to other locations for immigration processing, with the closest sizable Border Patrol facility or shelter located 2.5 hours away.
Due to security concerns, the agency would not disclose the Ajo facility’s capacity.
According to frontier Patrol data, the Tucson Border Patrol sector encountered more than 24,000 migrants in June, making it the second-busiest sector along the southern frontier during the month.
Since the onset of the heat wave and the increase in migrant encounters, Border Patrol officials report that no fatalities have occurred at Ajo station or in the adjacent area.
In the past weeks, Arizonans have endured extreme weather, with Phoenix recording 31 consecutive days with a peak temperature of 110 degrees or higher. July was the warmest month on record in the city due to the stretch of high temperatures.
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Source: CNN
