Assaults on border agents rise in Yuma area

ARTHUR H. ROTSTEIN

Published: 12.13.2006

Assaults on U.S. Border Patrol agents, including rock throwing and incidents using flammable liquids, are increasing in southwestern Arizona, authorities say.

Agency spokesmen in Arizona and Washington say it's a reflection of frustration by smugglers and illegal immigrants who have been unable to make it across without getting caught.

The Border Patrol's Yuma sector, which covers the extreme southwest corner of Arizona, has seen the most significant jump in recent months.

Similar spikes in border assaults occurred previously in other areas, including the patrol's Tucson and San Diego sectors.

From the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1 until Friday, there were 57 rock-throwing attacks targeting agents in the Border Patrol's Yuma sector, compared to 36 for the period in 2005, spokesman Lloyd Easterling said.

"It's a money issue. As we do better, as we tighten up enforcement along the border, it certainly impacts the money the smugglers are making," he said. "Frustration, that's exactly what it is. They're trying to clear us out of the way so they can get back to business as usual. But that's not going to happen."