PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for Arizona has released its immigration enforcement statistics for the period between July 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024. These prosecutions, conducted in partnership with Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol in the Tucson and Yuma Sectors, along with Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in criminal charges against 2,611 individuals for illegally entering or re-entering the United States.
In addition to illegal entry cases, federal prosecutors in Arizona brought 364 cases against individuals charged with smuggling undocumented noncitizens into or through the state. The prosecution of human smuggling remains a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as it works to reduce the risks posed to both migrant communities and the broader Arizona population.
The office’s efforts also extended to drug enforcement, with 67 reactive drug cases prosecuted during this time period. These cases arose from investigations at immigration ports of entry and checkpoints throughout Arizona, underscoring the link between immigration enforcement and narcotics interdiction.
Focus on Smuggling Networks and Young Drivers
In targeting migrant smuggling operations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has concentrated on prosecuting leaders and coordinators of alien smuggling organizations. In addition, special attention has been directed at deterring young drivers, who are often recruited through social media platforms to transport migrants. During the three-month period, charges were brought against two juvenile drivers involved in smuggling activities, highlighting the increasing role of social media in these crimes.
“Reducing migrant smuggling and protecting impacted communities remain key priorities,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to deter this dangerous activity.”
Assault on Federal Officers
In the ongoing effort to protect law enforcement officers stationed along the border, federal prosecutors also brought charges against one individual accused of assaulting federal officers during this period. These prosecutions demonstrate the critical role of safeguarding those tasked with securing the nation’s borders.
These statistics reflect only cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and do not account for individuals apprehended and processed solely through administrative immigration enforcement.
For more information on immigration enforcement and prosecution efforts in Arizona, follow updates from the United States Attorney’s Office.
