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Tucson, Ariz. – Saturday evening, agents working west of Douglas, Ariz. successfully arrested 77 individuals after camera operators identified the unusually large group crossing the international border.

Camera operators first detected the group approaching the border fence from Mexico. As the group crossed over the fence, a coordinated effort between agents of the Douglas and nearby Naco stations, along with Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, resulted in the arrest of 77 individuals. All individuals were nationals of Mexico and were transported to the Douglas and Naco border stations for further processing.

The group explained to agents that a smuggler instructed them to cross the fence at the same time in an attempt to overwhelm Border Patrol resources.

This case is an example of how Border Patrol operations and strategies have become more effective in the region. The proper mix of technology, infrastructure and manpower are rapidly proving that individuals entering our country illegally are unsuccessful regardless of their methods.

In the performance of their duties, Tucson Sector Agents, arrested 60,189 illegal aliens during the first four months of Fiscal Year 2009 (October, November, December and January).

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.