Rural roads popular for illegal immigrants
by Andy Harvey - Aug. 7, 2008 05:53 PM
12 News

As border patrol tries to tighten security along the U.S. – Mexico border, smugglers and illegal immigrants are funneling into other routes. Some of those cut across the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation. Residents who live along the Indian Route 15 corridor call it an expressway for illegal activity, especially at night.

Over the years, officials with the Pinal County Sheriff’s office said these rural roads have become popular because they are remote and not regularly patrolled. Illegal immigrants see them as desert highways to freedom.

Betty Berry, who lives near the busy road, said, "There's a lot of traffic on it."

And every time Berry stands outside her home south of Casa Grande, she watches and thinks about the traffic. "You sit out there and wonder who are they and sometimes you'll see big vehicles go by that look real heavy. And you'll wonder what are they carrying," Berry said.

Since most of these roads cross the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation, Pinal County Sheriff's deputies said they’re unique and ideal for illegal immigrants. Lt. Harry Grizzle with the Pinal Co. Sheriff’s office said, "The Tohono O'odham Nation touches the U.S. – Mexico border. They can crass the nation almost unimpeded."

Once they reach the crossroad just a few miles south of Casa Grande, it's a way off the reservation to places like Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond. Grizzle said, "This is a choke point for almost all smugglers, vacationers. they blend in with average day to day people."

Grizzle said the influx of human smuggling has also triggered an increase in crime along those routes.

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