Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities said personnel staffing the Camp Bounds Forward Operating Base adjacent to the Antelope Wells Port of Entry recently apprehended 194 illegal aliens there.
The group, from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, illegally entered the camp and was comprised primarily of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles.
“Large groups like these exacerbate the current immigration process further impacting our workforce, facilities, and resources,” Gloria Chavez, interim chief patrol agent, said. “I commend the incredible work of our Border Patrol Agents who continue to push forward through this border crisis.”
Border Patrol continues to arrest high numbers of illegal aliens entering the United States compared to last year, authorities noted, although acknowledging recent monthly figures reflect a decrease in apprehensions. CBP said the high number of apprehensions continue to present a challenge to border operations, maintaining it remains a national security and humanitarian crisis.
The Antelope Wells Port of Entry apprehension represents the second such large group this month in the El Paso Sector, determining this fiscal year the El Paso Sector has surpassed 172,000 apprehensions compared to over 31,000 for the entire fiscal year 2018.
Customs and Border Protection authorities said they encourage communities assistance, urging citizens to report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 toll free.