In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens expressed concern over the risk posed by migrants attempting to illegally enter the U.S. in groups. He pointed out that managing such illegal entries often strains resources.

According to Owens, "Thermal imaging captures USBP agents interdicting border crossers trying to evade capture. These unknown groups are potential threats to your safety. - This is what we need every agent doing. - This is what migrants ignoring laws & entering illegally keeps our agents from doing."

Earlier this year, an incident at the Route 82 immigration checkpoint near Sonoita, Arizona highlighted the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents. According to a news release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seven migrants were rescued and three human smugglers arrested who were transporting them in a Ford F-150 pick-up towing a small boat.

Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin emphasized the commitment of law enforcement towards ensuring safety and security for all. He said, "Border Patrol agents and their law enforcement partners are dedicated to the safety and security of all whom they encounter." Modlin also detailed the dangerous conditions migrants often face, saying, "Our Agents regularly rescue migrants from extremely dangerous human smuggling situations, such as being transported in compartments of vessels not intended to be used to transport people on roadways in frigid temperatures, and callous smugglers who show no regard for their wellbeing."

The media release further reported that both the motorist and passenger involved in this smuggling attempt were U.S. citizens residing in Arizona, with a third man also arrested while following the vehicle carrying the migrants. The driver was operating a Jeep Commander and was part of the smuggling operation. The group of migrants included two women, four men and one unaccompanied juvenile from Mexico.