Immigration efforts help economy of one-time mining town

Monday, April 16, 2007 8:23 AM MST

AJO, Ariz. (AP) -- The federal government's push for better security along the U.S.-Mexican border has pumped new life into this one-time mining town.

Most of the more than 200 Border Patrol agents who now work in Ajo have moved to town. About 100 more agents are on the way.

Those recent arrivals are in addition to the National Guard members who have rotated through since President Bush last May announced a border enforcement initiative.

This seasonal retiree haven, which saw its copper mine close nearly 25 years ago, now finds its economy humming year-round. More customers shop at the stores. More businesses stay open for the summer than in years past. Finding a house to rent is difficult.

When U.S. Border Patrol Agent Bill Martin moved to Ajo more than a decade ago, fewer than 25 agents worked in town. "We're giving the town a year-round clientele," he said.

The increased presence at the border has triggered an economic burst across much of southern Arizona.