The Arizona Border: A Hotspot for Global Migrant Crossings Despite Border Walls and Treacherous Terrain

The Arizona border, a remote and rugged stretch of the U.S.-Mexico boundary, has become the number one hotspot for migrant crossings into the United States, despite the presence of border walls and the challenging terrain. This region, which covers miles of steep hillsides, dirt roads, cows, cacti, and desert shrubs, has seen an unprecedented surge in migrant activity in recent months.

The most visible feature of this area is the towering Trump-era border wall, which spans miles and serves as a formidable barrier for many would-be migrants. However, the wall does not tell the whole story. Beyond its reach, construction crews work to repair parts of the wall damaged by erosion or smugglers. Abandoned belongings, such as clothes, blankets, and other items, are scattered throughout the landscape, remnants of the countless migrants who have passed through. Water stations, maintained by volunteers, dot the area, providing essential relief for those making the perilous journey.

The nearest U.S. community to this border section is Sasabe, a hamlet with just 51 residents. It boasts an official port of entry for legal travel, several modest residences, a post office, and a store selling burritos, cowboy hats, and souvenirs. The town’s most famous question: “Where the hell is Sasabe?”

Situated between the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation and a highway connecting Tucson and Nogales, Mexico, this area is one of the most remote stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite the challenges posed by the border wall, violent Mexican cartels, and the harsh terrain, migrants continue to cross into the Tucson sector of Arizona in large numbers.

From October 2023 to January 2024, Border Patrol recorded over 754,000 migrant apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Tucson sector accounted for the most apprehensions, with over 250,000, surpassing all other sectors. This region has seen the most significant increase in encounters compared to the same period the previous year.

The Arizona border has become a focal point for migrant crossings, with a diverse range of individuals from all corners of the globe seeking to enter the United States. These migrants come in two categories: those who surrender themselves to Border Patrol agents and those who attempt to enter the country surreptitiously.

For those in the first group, the journey can be arduous. After crossing the border, they often have to wait and walk for hours before reaching Border Patrol agents. In such cases, the work of American volunteers can be a lifeline. These volunteers provide basic medical attention, water, and food to weary travelers.

One such volunteer, Maria, recounted her experience helping a migrant from Ecuador who had been grazed by a bullet during her crossing. Despite the injury, the migrant did not feel any pain until later due to her fear. Maria and her fellow volunteers offered medical attention, water, and food at a makeshift camp they had set up for migrants.

The camp, located more than a dozen miles east of Sasabe, includes tents for migrants to rest, a makeshift kitchen where volunteers cook ramen soup, and a pantry stocked with water, peanut butter, refried beans, canned sausages, tuna, and other essentials. The site also has blankets to provide warmth during the cold desert nights.

Volunteers emphasized that their camp is a barebones respite center for tired migrants awaiting Border Patrol agents. However, some migrants have had to spend the night there. Oftentimes, migrants just want to see a friendly face.

Gail Kocourek, a volunteer with Tucson Samaritans, one of the U.S.-based groups assisting migrants near Sasabe, shared her experiences. She has met migrants from Afghanistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Guinea, Liberia, the Palestinian territories, and Senegal.

Critics argue that groups helping migrants are facilitating illegal immigration by offering free services to those who entered the country without authorization. Kocourek refuted this claim, stating, “We’re not facilitating. We’re just helping people stay alive.”

Erin Waters, a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection, acknowledged the increasing number of migrants seeking to turn themselves in to U.S. officials. She emphasized that the agency had “redirected manpower” in southern Arizona to process the influx of migrants.

Maria, a migrant from Ecuador, shared her reasons for making the journey to the United States. She cited deteriorating economic and security conditions in her country, as well as her desire to reunite with her husband and children in Wisconsin. She had not seen them in five years.

After a few hours at the camp, Maria and the other migrants were picked up by Border Patrol agents and transported to a nearby processing facility. It is unclear how Maria was processed.

In conclusion, the Arizona border has become a significant hotspot for global migrant crossings, despite the challenges posed by the border wall, cartels, and the harsh terrain. The area has seen an unprecedented surge in migrant activity, with individuals from all corners of the globe seeking to enter the United States. Volunteers play a crucial role in providing essential services and support to these migrants, ensuring their safety and well-being during their journey.