Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary | official facebook
The Department of the Interior has announced that a recent border-security operation led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in southern Arizona successfully protected public lands and local communities. The operation, known as Operation Securing America’s Border Resources, took place from October 31 through November 9 and involved cooperation between BLM rangers, special agents, the U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Border Patrol.
According to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, “Operations like this show our commitment to securing the border, protecting communities, and conserving America’s public lands. We are delivering on the Trump administration’s priorities of strong border security and responsible stewardship of our natural resources.”
The coordinated effort focused patrols across several areas including the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Coronado National Forest, Sonoran Desert National Monument, and other nearby public lands. Eric Kriley, Director of Law Enforcement for BLM, stated: “Operation Securing America’s Border Resources demonstrates the professionalism, dedication and unique skillset of our law enforcement officers. Their work protects communities and ensures the safety and integrity of America’s public lands.”
Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior
| U.S. Department of Interior
During this period, officers apprehended 48 individuals who were illegally present in the United States and arrested two U.S. citizens for illegal alien smuggling. Authorities also conducted 37 traffic stops resulting in four vehicle seizures connected to smuggling activities. Additionally, law enforcement seized over 46 pounds of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cocaine; they made numerous public contacts as well as resource site inspections while repairing multiple fence breaches within conservation areas.
Josiah Andrews, Bureau of Land Management Special Agent in Charge for Region 5 said: “The success of this surge reflects what can be achieved when federal, state, tribal and local agencies coordinate with a shared mission. Our rangers and agents bring exceptional skill to an extremely challenging environment, and we are grateful for their tireless commitment to public safety.”
Several individuals apprehended during this operation will face federal prosecution under various statutes including charges related to alien smuggling (8 USC 1324), acting as material witnesses (18 USC 3144), or unlawful entry or reentry after deportation (8 USC 1325/1326).
Operation Securing America’s Border Resources is part of ongoing efforts by BLM to combat illegal activity while safeguarding natural resources near border regions in partnership with other federal agencies such as those under the Department of Homeland Security, along with state and tribal partners.
The Bureau manages about 191 miles along the U.S.–Mexico border encompassing approximately 8.8 million acres in these regions—including key ecosystems like the nearly 57,000-acre San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area—which remain important remnants of southwestern riparian environments.
