Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have outlined the U.S. Border Patrol’s Morelos Dam construction plan, noting the effort would close gaps in the border barrier.
“The safety and security of our workforce, law enforcement partners, and the local community are a top priority,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel said regarding the construction slated to begin next week. “Yuma Sector is dedicated to working with our state, local, and tribal counterparts to ensure a multi-layered approach to secure our nation’s borders and protect our local community.”
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel revealed the Yuma Morelos Dam Project last spring. The effort would close four gaps within a former Department of Defense border barrier project.
The project includes areas along the Colorado River containing temporary infrastructure put in place by the state of Arizona, according to DHS, with CBP scheduled to begin mobilizing for construction next week amid an anticipated project completion in Summer 2023.
The proximity to the Morelos Dam and the Colorado River presents safety and life hazard risks for migrants attempting to illegally cross into the United States, presenting a risk of drownings and injuries from falls.
The area also poses a life and safety risk to Border Patrol agents, local law enforcement partners, and other first responders responding to incidents in this area, authorities noted.