Border officers, military plan drills in Nogales to prepare for migrant caravans

Chris Coppola, Arizona RepublicPublished 9:33 p.m. MT Nov. 28, 2018 | Updated 12:44 p.m. MT Nov. 29, 2018

A peaceful protest at the U.S.-Mexico border turned chaotic when several hundred migrants rushed the border fence. USA TODAY


(Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)


Border officers and military personnel will begin joint "readiness exercises'' at the Nogales border crossing in the next few weeks to prepare for the possible arrival of Central American migrants seeking asylum in the United States, officials said Wednesday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in a news release, said its officers and Defense Department personnel will perform tactical exercises to prepare for a possible caravan of migrants gathering at the Nogales ports of entry, along Arizona's border with Sonora, Mexico.


The drills could lead to "temporary suspension'' of regular operations at the three Nogales crossings, causing delays of regular cross-border traffic, the agency said.


The announcement comes as the fate of thousands of Central American migrants gathered in Tijuana south of San Diego remains unresolved.


The situation there boiled over Sunday when some of the migrants stormed a border fence near the San Ysidro port of entry, where they were met with tear gas fired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

CBP warned drivers in the Nogales border area to prepare for possible delays as they prepare for the potential arrival of Central American migrants. (Photo: Rafael Carranza/The Republic)


In recent weeks, U.S. Army personnel have worked with Border Patrol agents to fortify the Morley, DeConcini and Mariposa crossings at Nogales with concertina wire — more commonly known as barbed or razor wire — and placing concrete barriers in key locations, an effort dubbed Operation Secure Line.

"We ask the border communities to be patient and understanding while we train in order to protect travelers, caravan members, and our officers and agents from potential acts of violence,” said Petra Horne, acting director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in a statement.

U. S. Army personnel put concertina wire fences at Nogales Port of Entry, Dennis DeConcini Crossing on Nov. 9, 2018. (Photo: Nick Oza/The Republic)


The agency news release also urged "asylum seekers to present themselves at the ports of entry in an orderly manner to prevent delays in their processing."

"Regardless of operational contingencies, CBP officers will ensure border security while conducting themselves in accordance with the highest standards of law enforcement,'' Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.

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