see also: in July 2007 News Releases:   CBP Air and Marine Acquires Helicopters for Border Security Mission   CBP Officers At El Paso Port Nab 50 Pounds Of Cocaine; Two Juveniles Taken Into Custody   CBP Border Patrol Agent Dies In the Line of Duty   Hong Kong to Scan U.S.-Bound Goods for Radiation as Part of Secure Freight Initiative   Border Patrol Assists in Third Canal Rescue in a Week   CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted For Murder, Rape, Burglary   Operation Streamline Nets 1,200-Plus Prosecutions in Arizona ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Yuma, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents from Yuma, Ariz. were assaulted twice during separate incidents Wednesday while trying to apprehend more than 30 individuals who entered the U.S. from Mexico.

At 10:30 a.m., Yuma agents and a CBP Air and Marine pilot observed a pickup truck load several illegal immigrants near the All American Canal in Andrade, Calif. As the vehicle approached Interstate 8 the driver saw Border Patrol agents and turned back toward Mexico.

An agent on foot deployed a controlled tire-deflation device to stop the truck, but the driver swerved toward the agent and accelerated in an apparent attempt to hit him with the vehicle. The agent was able to jump out of the vehicle’s path avoiding injury. After crossing the tire-deflation device, the truck became disabled near the canal. The driver and two occupants fled into Mexico, but agents were able to apprehend nine individuals. They were transported to the Yuma Border Patrol Station for processing.

At 7:45 p.m., agents were trying to apprehend a group of 27 individuals who entered the U.S. illegally about one mile west of the San Luis, Ariz., port of entry, when several subjects began throwing rocks at the agents and their vehicles while attempting to flee to Mexico. An agent was able to halt the attack by utilizing his issued pepper ball launcher system and 17 individuals were taken into custody. None of the agents were injured, but a vehicle sustained a cracked windshield, side window and mirror.

The Mexican authorities were notified of the incident and the individuals were transported to the Yuma Border Patrol Station for processing.

Violence against Yuma Sector agents has increased significantly from October 1 to May 31 with 166 reported incidents compared to 119 during the same period the previous year.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.