Sasabe, Arizona: The Remote Southern Border Crossing Point for Migrants from Around the World

Sasabe, Arizona draws migrants from across the world, who seek to cross into the U.S. through breaches in the border wall. The area also sees construction to fix damaged sections, and volunteers maintain water stations to prevent desert tragedies. 

Popular crossing point for migrants

The nearest U.S. community, Sasabe, with a small population, is situated between Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation and a highway connecting Tucson with Nogales, Mexico. The region is one of the busiest for Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants entering unlawfully. The area has become a popular crossing point despite the border wall, cartels, and harsh terrain. 

The Tucson sector has recorded over 250,000 migrant apprehensions in the first four months of fiscal year 2024. The large numbers are attributed to two types of migrants: those surrendering to Border Patrol agents, often with asylum intentions, and those attempting to enter surreptitiously. Due to the remote location, some migrants have to walk and wait for hours before reaching agents, while volunteers provide medical assistance, food, and water at camps. 

Despite criticism, volunteers argue they are helping migrants to survive, not facilitating illegal immigration. Erin Waters, a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman, stated that the agency has redirected resources to process the increasing number of migrants seeking to turn themselves in. She added that smugglers continue to push large groups of vulnerable migrants across the border under harsh conditions. 

Maria, a migrant from Ecuador, is one of many who made the journey due to deteriorating economic and security conditions in her country and to reunite with her family in Wisconsin. After spending time at the camp, Maria and other migrants were picked up by Border Patrol agents and transported to a processing facility, where they undergo security screenings before further decisions are made.