Border Patrol: Migrant group that entered Anapra largest in recent memory in EP area
The group of Central American migrants that crossed into Anapra, New Mexico this week is the largest group encountered by El Paso-area agents in recent memory, an agency spokesman told ABC-7.
As reported on Tuesday, 311 migrants crossed into the small colonia of Anapra, located near Sunland Park, New Mexico and Mt. Cristo Rey, just a few miles west of El Paso, Texas.
“What was unique about this group is that it is the first large group encountered by the Santa Teresa Border Patrol station near the Cristo Rey area this fiscal year,” said Agent Frank Pino with the U.S. Border Patrol. “We’re not equipped to handle this large group of people.”
Agent Joe Romero told ABC-7 that groups of close to 100 had turned themselves in near downtown El Paso, but he said this is the largest group to cross this close to El Paso in recent history.
“We’re so used to seeing the large groups further out west in the rural areas,” Agent Pino said.
Just hours prior to this group, 330 migrants crossed in the remote Antelope Wells, New Mexico, according to agents.
The group of migrants crossed into Anapra where the existing border barrier ends at the western base of Mount Cristo Rey, agents said. The barrier ends at that location because the terrain is too rugged for a fence or barrier. Members of the group requested asylum after they crossed into the U.S.
“I was a little scared,” said 6-year-old Angel Jesus in Spanish. The young child lives on the Mexican side of the border barrier. Jesus said he was scared to see the group of migrants cross his grandfather’s backyard on their way to the U.S.
