Apprehensions of migrant family members in the Tucson area soared over 227 percent in just the past year, according to the year end reports for Fiscal Year 2019. The year ended on September 30, 2019, and the Tucson Sector Border Patrol recently reported on the number of apprehensions and the people apprehended.
According to the Border Patrol, Tucson agents apprehended 16,199 family unit aliens. This is a dramatic increase over 2018 numbers, and does not include thousands of unaccompanied minors also intercepted at the border this year.
In Fiscal Year 2018, the Tucson Sector Border Patrol apprehended a total of 4,954 migrant family units; just a year later, the numbers increased by 10,000 families. The numbers of unaccompanied minors also soared in the same time period. Unaccompanied minors range in age from infancy to 17 years of age – just over 5,100 children were apprehended in the area in 2019, this represents a small increase over.
The number of unaccompanied minors and even entire families is minimal compared to the number of adult single males who stormed the Tucson area sector this year. Single men are more physically able to elude border patrol agents and are not encumbered by children. Over 42,000 were apprehended in the same area this year, about 3 times the amount of family units apprehended in the same time period.
It is important to note that this dramatic rise in family unit apprehensions and the overwhelming numbers of single male apprehensions is not just happening in Tucson. The Tuscon numbers reflect the demographic breakdown of other areas along the border as well. These apprehensions put continual and increasing pressure on the agents working in the area and on those tasked with ensuring the safety of children both in family units and traveling alone.
Accommodations and supplies to ensure those apprehended are cared have increased along with the number of apprehensions, this figure is expected to rise as well. Migrants who enter the country illegally are detained until they can have a court appearance. All those who evaded apprehension simply continue on into the country unimpeded. There are no numbers showing just how many migrant families, unaccompanied minors and single men avoid detection as they enter the country.
Because of the skyrocketing numbers of apprehensions, areas like Tucson are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the sheer numbers of migrants making their way into the country. A strong wall and more empowered border agency would make the area safer for all concerned — American citizens living in the area, border patrol agents and even the migrants themselves.
