Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Sept. 8 toured the southern border near Yuma to mark the installation of shipping containers to help secure the state's southern barrier, saying they helped bring border security to Yuma and other communities.

“Last time I stood along the border here in Yuma, multiple migrants crossed the border into Arizona illegally — right in front of us,” Ducey said, in a release on the governor’s website. “Now, 130 shipping containers fill border wall gaps that were previously wide open for dangerous cartel activity and illegal entry into our nation.”

Ducey was joined by state and local officials, who surveyed some of the 3,820-foot barrier that was built last month from 130 shipping containers. They also spoke with law enforcement and community leaders about how the makeshift wall has aided their efforts.

“It’s not a permanent solution,” Ducey said, “(and) no one said it would be. But these containers have helped make it harder to get into our state illegally. Migrant traffic is funneled to a few select spots, allowing Border Patrol to focus their limited resources.”

Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot said that the shipping containers have helped him keep Yuma safe so far.

“The border barrier helps put a stop to the revolving door for the cartels that has been the southern border,” Wilmot said. “Yuma area law enforcement has been greatly impacted and has dealt with an increase in trespassing calls, criminal damage cases, 911 calls for rescues in the desert, and 50 death investigations this year. Gov. Ducey is a true partner to law enforcement and has prioritized our well-being and ability to do our jobs.”

Ducey issued an executive order on Aug. 12 directing the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to fill gaps in the border using the shipping containers, which were funded through the state’s $564 million border security legislation to create a physical barrier on the southern border. It was signed by Ducey in June.

“Our Emergency Management team was charged with the coordination of efforts in filling gaps in the border wall,” Maj. Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, adjutant general of Arizona and director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, said.“We are proud to collaborate with our multiple state and federal partners to facilitate the efficient use of state resources and provide support to our communities.”

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said the region has been one of the hardest hit areas for migrant traffic and drug trafficking.

“The Yuma community has been put at risk and overburdened for far too long,” Nicholls said in the release. “While the decision-makers in Washington let border communities fend for themselves, Gov. Ducey has been by our side offering solutions since day one.”

Members of the community also expressed their support for the border barrier.

“Yuma is a small town, we’re not built to sustain the amount of people traversing our community,” lettuce farmer Cory Mellon said. “On our farm, we’ve seen the increase in migrants crossing. It’s not safe for our workers or for the migrants. I’m grateful for Gov. Ducey’s leadership in taking action to secure the border.”

Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines said the shipping containers had made a formidable barrier.

“The Yuma border barrier is working,” Lines said in the release. “We’ve seen less and less people attempting to cross. The containers have helped regain operational control of our nation’s southern border. Gov. Ducey’s strategy has allowed law enforcement to concentrate resources and protect our communities.”