According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), an incident recently occurred at the Douglas Port of Entry where a suspect attempting to enter Arizona was found trying to smuggle in an improvised explosive device (IED).
A statement CBP emailed to The Arizona Sun Times revealed that the incident occurred on May 6th. Officials from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrived to confiscate the device after it was found in the suspect’s vehicle. There were no other items of interest found.
The AZDPS had no additional information to share at this time. However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to The Sun Times that HSI is still investigating this case.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, further information is limited at this time,” the spokesperson said via email.
The incident was first reported by Ali Brady of NewNation, who shared pictures of the device. The IED was constructed using an M&M container and electrical tape. There are blue and red wires protruding from the vessel.
EXCLUSIVE: An improvised explosive device bound for the U.S. was intercepted at an Arizona port of entry.
The improvised explosive device was intercepted during secondary inspection by CBP officers at the Douglas, Arizona POE on May 6th.
The IED was made using an M&M container… pic.twitter.com/P7E9tdxrU3
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) May 11, 2023
The Sun Times contacted the Douglas and Yuma Sheriff’s Offices comments but did not hear back before press time.
In response to the incident, Kim Quintero, an Arizona Senate Majority Caucus spokesperson, said this may be a sign of things to come.
“This incident is a prime example of how the incompetence of the Biden Administration is threatening our national security and failing American citizens. We can fully anticipate more instances of terrorist groups, other dangerous criminals and drug cartels seeking entry into our state in the coming days and weeks. Republicans at the Arizona Legislature have attempted to pass laws to protect our citizens and address the border crisis this session, but unfortunately, several of those measures were vetoed, including HB2675 and HB2754. We’ve also passed a budget, which is awaiting the Governor’s signature, that protects funding for law enforcement resources at the border and in surrounding communities,” Quintero told The Sun Times via email.
Furthermore, the Arizona House Majority Caucus released a joint statement Thursday, calling on the Federal Government to better protect border states like Arizona that are deeply impacted by the southern border crisis.
“Law enforcement agencies are already overextended from the endless flood of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and dangerous narcotics. Health care providers are strained, especially in border communities like Yuma, where it is a constant struggle to deliver essential services to residents in need of care,” the caucus stated. “It’s deeply disturbing that any sitting President would endanger border states and neglect to protect American citizens from being overrun by the dangerous repercussions of an open and unsecure border.”
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE🚨
Arizona House Republicans Demand Federal Leaders End Border Crisis, Protect States
"With each passing day, illegal immigration grows, more deadly fentanyl pours through our borders, more young girls are pushed into border-related sex trafficking, and… pic.twitter.com/Ysk2Tq4UJk
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) May 11, 2023
Thursday marked the expiration of Title 42, which ended along with the COVID-19 public health crisis. As reported by The Sun Times, Title 42 has been used to expel immigrants seeking asylum back into Mexico. With the policy no longer enforced, officials feared that the border would be swamped by those seeking entry into the country.
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls announced that on Friday, border patrol would begin releasing migrants into the Yuma community, starting with 141 across the county. However, he emphasized that these people have been vetted by border patrol and have been issued notice to appear papers, meaning they will need to appear in court to continue with the immigration judicial process.
“So, that’ll be an impact to our community. I ask everyone, all of our citizens, to remain calm. There’s not people that are convicted of crimes that are being released,” Nicholls said in a press conference.
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls (@MayorNicholls) announces local migrant releases to take place tomorrow: https://t.co/Wz24XzLRVu pic.twitter.com/U8vxyMIs68
— Adam Klepp (@FOX9AdamKlepp) May 11, 2023
Ultimately, the State House said it would continue working to prioritize safety and security for Arizona and its people. However, the caucus said the House cannot and should not be responsible for doing the federal government’s job.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
