Labor Day campers near border warned to be cautious, especially at night

Labor Day campers near border warned to be cautious, especially at night

LARRY COPENHAVER
Tucson Citizen

The daytime beauty of the wilderness can turn into nighttime danger in southern Arizona campgrounds, and authorities have a warning: Be prepared.

"Take time to understand the urban influence in the wilderness areas of the Tucson basin," said Vic Brown, law enforcement supervisor for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which oversees Ironwood Forest National Monument northwest of Marana.

Illegal immigrants and drug traffickers often move through the backcountry to avoid contact with the public, he said.

"And Ironwood happens to be in the way of smuggling, a place those people have to go through to get somewhere else," he said. "When you see people out there, be prepared and approach with a guarded manner. Never leave keys in a vehicle, and be aware that smuggling activity increases at night."

Almost all the marijuana sold in the United States comes across Arizona's border with Mexico, with most of the smugglers funneling through the Interstate 19 corridor, federal and local authorities recently told the Tucson Citizen.

And while it used to be that Mexico's marijuana harvest season in the fall created a spike in trafficking along the border, Border Patrol officials told the Tucson Citizen in 2003 that the season has become year-round.

Brown said campers should avoid areas with lots of trash because that trash is likely left by immigrants or smugglers.

"Sometimes we see RVs parked in those areas because the visitors think that's where other campers have come," he said. They are surprised when they learn the trash is from other sources, usually smuggling, either humans or drugs.

Earlier this year, Tony Herrell, manager of the monument, escorted a reporter to the site near the monument where a daytime pursuit by authorities led to a pickup truck packed with suspected illegal immigrants.

Herrell said the passengers scattered when authorities approached. The truck had been reported stolen in Phoenix.

Visitors never know when they might accidentally come upon something they were not supposed to see, he said.

Sally Gall, manager of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, said camping in that scenic area has become increasingly threatening over the past five years.

"Personally, I would hesitate to camp out here," she said. "If I did, I would be in a group, a large group, not just two people.

"It's an illegal immigrant and drug trafficking issue," she said. "Illegal immigrants typically are not out to hurt anyone, but there is such a mix out there, you can't be sure who is good, who is bad.

"And there is a high risk that if you are camping that someone will come into your camp," she added. "You have to be aware. Safety is a daily issue even to the people living on refuge. They are constantly being disturbed in the night by groups of people, and there are break-ins."

Security fencing recently was installed at three residences where refuge employees live, she said.

"Also, alarms and window bars have been installed and dogs have been brought in to warn residents that intruders are near," she said.

The problem is big and getting worse, she said.

Officials estimate that more than 1,000 illegal immigrants a day pass through the 118,000-acre refuge in southern Avra Valley north of Sasabe, Gall said.

Up to 10 vehicles, usually stolen trucks and cars, are abandoned on the refuge each week.

But the U.S. Border Patrol, with recent increases in funding through the Department of Homeland Security, has slowed some of the traffic, said Andy Adame, spokesman for the agency.

Some 11,299 illegal immigrants were apprehended in August in the Tucson sector, he said. The Tucson sector extends from New Mexico west to Yuma County and north to the Utah border, Adame said.

Yet, the main immigrant corridors run through Buenos Aires and north up Avra Valley, through the Tohono O'odham Nation and through Organ Pipe National Monument, he said.

There are no camping restrictions in Coronado National Forest, which covers nearly 1.8 million acres of southeastern Arizona, said Johetta Holt, a Forest Service spokeswoman.

"There is no particular area that's not recommended for day use or overnight camping," she said. But Coronado Forest officials issued a warning late yesterday afternoon.

"Forest visitors traveling in remote areas of Coronado National Forest in the vicinity of the International Boundary, adjacent to the Republic of Mexico, are advised to remain alert to their surroundings, as illegal smuggling activity is known to occur in those areas," the advisory states.

"Do not attempt to intercede if you witness illegal activity. Contact the nearest law enforcement agency with descriptions of person, vehicles, date, time and other pertinent information."

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/breaking/090204labor.html

Ten years ago, I spent several months camped just north of Organ Pipe National Monument, a little bit outside of Why, AZ. It's breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also desolate as hell. Nowadays, I wouldn't even consider camping in the desert without carrying a sidearm 24/7.

Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot!

Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot!

I bet that would seriously cut down on trafficking through there for a while...

If nothing else, I would say the amount of gunfire alone would catch somebody's attention.



I keep hearing about the Mexican Army crossing the line. Think we could take 'em? TIME FOR A POLL!!!!

A sniper, well hid, would halt traffic for some time. Imagine wandering into an area littered with rotting bodies...and never hearing the shot that drops you.  The word would get out.

S.O.

Quoted: A sniper, well hid, would halt traffic for some time. Imagine wandering into an area littered with rotting bodies...and never hearing the shot that drops you.  The word would get out. S.O.

Yeah, well hid in 110 degree heat with no cover. Yeah, it could be done.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot! I bet that would seriously cut down on trafficking through there for a while... They bring their own guns, and they are familiar with the area.....

Then I suggest anti-personnel mines.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot! I bet that would seriously cut down on trafficking through there for a while... They bring their own guns, and they are familiar with the area.....

Are you on record as saying 40 arfcom gadget whores (half vets & cops & half nuts [:V]) could be pwned by some illegals with a AK or so?

Hell I would think we could easily take the Mexican Army handily up to a platoon sized element.  

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot! I bet that would seriously cut down on trafficking through there for a while... They bring their own guns, and they are familiar with the area..... Are you on record as saying 40 arfcom gadget whores (half vets & cops & half nuts [:V]) could be pwned by some illegals with a AK or so? Hell I would think we could easily take the Mexican Army handily up to a platoon sized element.

This dumb  non-shooting former Army Medic is willing to take his chance!

hmmm two helicopters

a few FAVs

couple of HMMVs and we're in business. maybe a tank just for fun

Quoted: Quoted: A sniper, well hid, would halt traffic for some time. Imagine wandering into an area littered with rotting bodies...and never hearing the shot that drops you.  The word would get out. S.O. Yeah, well hid in 110 degree heat with no cover. Yeah, it could be done.

A highly motivated SF or Marine Recon sniper would do it.

I'll come and I'll bring my ferret. Oh wait I dont any combat vehicles. But remember its 110 with no humdity. Its a dry heat so it only feels like 90 or so.  Just today it was 108 and I wore pants.

Quoted: I heard an interview with some sort of Park Service guard (nto sure if it was in AZ) and he would arrest illegals who were walking across his lawn. When he is at work his wife has to deal with 1/2 dead illegals staggering up to the house because it's a sourse of water and a telephone.

If they fall down, only to to get back up... they're considered pop-up targets.

NVG: Check.
Silencer: Check
SSS: Check

Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot!

+1

This is so insensitive to brown people just looking for a better life...

I'm so offended.



D.
AZEX

Let'em make a better life in their own damn country, instead of coming here, driving down the wages, using our services (to which they aren't really entitled), and sending most of the money home to support their extended familes. What ever happened to cleaning up your own house before you go out and shit all over your neighbors?

Quoted: Quoted: A sniper, well hid, would halt traffic for some time. Imagine wandering into an area littered with rotting bodies...and never hearing the shot that drops you.  The word would get out. S.O. Yeah, well hid in 110 degree heat with no cover. Yeah, it could be done.

It CAN be.

You have all missed the point of the article.

We as Americans, bound by the ethics of PC, have to be afraid to move freely in our own country.

With the currant state of thread lockings on this board, I'm afraid that we too have been infected.
So go on about your business, hold your tongue and no longer feel abliged to call a spade a spade.
Someday, somewhere the unthinkable will finnaly happen to the perveyors of political correctness and the gloves will come off. I just hope that by that time it is not too late.

P.S. The anti-personnel mines were a nice touch.

Quoted: I'll come and I'll bring my ferret. Oh wait I dont any combat vehicles. But remember its 110 with no humdity. Its a dry heat so it only feels like 90 or so.  Just today it was 108 and I wore pants.

Good...I don't want to imagine you without pants..

Quoted: You have all missed the point of the article. We as Americans, bound by the ethics of PC, have to be afraid to move freely in our own country.

*ding!* *ding!* *ding!*


We have a winnah! Step right up and claim your prize!

Quoted: Labor Day campers near border warned to be cautious, especially at night Security fencing recently was installed at three residences where refuge employees live, she said. "Also, alarms and window bars have been installed and dogs have been brought in to warn residents that intruders are near," she said.

Now where does that remind one of?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: A sniper, well hid, would halt traffic for some time. Imagine wandering into an area littered with rotting bodies...and never hearing the shot that drops you.  The word would get out. S.O. Yeah, well hid in 110 degree heat with no cover. Yeah, it could be done. A highly motivated SF or Marine Recon sniper would do it.

And do it well Im sure

 Don't they call Coyote down there heard that was a good place to hunt predators ?

I wouldnt go out camping there without an M4 next to my sleeping bag, a 1911 on my hip and a dog.

Kharn

Quoted: If nothing else, I would say the amount of gunfire alone would catch somebody's attention. I keep hearing about the Mexican Army crossing the line. Think we could take 'em? TIME FOR A POLL!!!!

I'd like to think that I'd bloody well try!

Foregin soldiers, ARMED, on AMERICAN soil, without any PERMISSION?

FUCK YES, that's serious!

Quoted: Ten years ago, I spent several months camped just north of Organ Pipe National Monument, a little bit outside of Why, AZ. It's breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also desolate as hell. Nowadays, I wouldn't even consider camping in the desert without carrying a sidearm 24/7.

Skip the sidearm and carry a rifle.

How about we have Gunstock 2005 in Arizona near the border?

We can bring rifles and Mexico can supply the free reactive targets.

Whaddy'all think?

"Here, Tonky Tonky Tonky!"

D.
AZEX

Ranch Rescue  

Y'all don't just have to talk about doing something about it.  Opportunities exist for motivated individuals to help protect their country from foreign invaders and support private property rights.

Quoted: Ranch Rescue

Ranch Rescue

Are they still active in the field?

Quoted: Ranch Rescue Are they still active in the field?

Yup.  Tryin to IM you but it aint co-operating.

God this thread pisses me off.

You can't even go camping down there anymore without some asshole,dirtbag "entering you camp" in the middle of the night?

Why does our government do nothing about this?

I really hope Bush is just shinin these people on till after the election so he can put a massive crackdown on the border down there.

The article said that almost all the MJ sold in the US comes across the border?

Apparently they've never been to Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

God this thread pisses me off. You can't even go camping down there anymore without some asshole,dirtbag "entering you camp" in the middle of the night? Why does our government do nothing about this?

Not only do they do nothing about it  (nothing substantial anyways) if you call a national park/reserve/monument and ask about having a firearm for protection while recreating they will tell you it's a no go.   One park official said "if you dont feel comfortable camping w/o a firearm you might want to rethink coming to the park"  

How nice  

I follow the border issues pretty closely.  Not as close as those who live there, obviously, but it's laugable to think Bush will do anything close to "securing" the border.

Hell, when he annoucned his planned amnesty, the number of illegals crossing SKYROCKETED.

What people need to realize is this is not a "security" issue.  It's not a "property rights" issue.

It's a fuckin war!!!  Mexican nationals regularly illegaly enter the US.  They victomize our citizens, and shoot at our law enforcement.

Until we stand up and do something as a people, it will only get worse.

But, Americans are too fat and lazy and attached to their nice houses, suv's and retirement plans to actually RISK anything to protect their country.

Bummer, eh?

Quoted: God this thread pisses me off.

Some parts, agreed.

Why does our government do nothing about this?

This is where I go Libertarian. LEss .gov. Its not their job to protect me, and on this the courts agree.

Bush

Its all shrubs fault.......


If it was that easy, by his words,  we would have a AWB signed. Think Legislative.

Quoted:  Don't they call Coyote down there heard that was a good place to hunt predators ?

I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box, and I've had a few glasses of wine tonight, so help me out here. What in the hell is being said here? I can't figure it out.  Considering the context of this thread I would guess that coyote means the traffickers. ...

Never mind, I think I understand now.  This post is about hunting the animal called the coyote by calling it.  If I'm wrong please correct me.

Quoted: Quoted:  Don't they call Coyote down there heard that was a good place to hunt predators ? I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box, and I've had a few glasses of wine tonight, so help me out here. What in the hell is being said here? I can't figure it out.  Considering the context of this thread I would guess that coyote means the traffickers. ... Never mind, I think I understand now.  This post is about hunting the animal called the coyote by calling it.  If I'm wrong please correct me.

"coyotes" are the smugglers who move illegals across the border.

Libbertoons are for OPEN BORDERS...

If you're going to promote a political party, please take a few mins to read what they are about.

D.
AZEX

Wonderful! We can't enjoy our land because of foreign dirtbags.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Sounds like the perfect place for a future arfcom shoot! I bet that would seriously cut down on trafficking through there for a while... They bring their own guns, and they are familiar with the area..... Are you on record as saying 40 arfcom gadget whores (half vets & cops & half nuts [:V]) could be pwned by some illegals with a AK or so? Hell I would think we could easily take the Mexican Army handily up to a platoon sized element.

It's not the scumbag doper with an AK you need to worry about.  It's the ex-guerillas and military  from El Salvador that you need to worry about.  

Quoted: Almost all the marijuana sold in the United States comes across Arizona's border with Mexico

WTF?

what is the story behind that photo and  why do the faces need to be whited out?

"urban influence"??? Talk about a eupheumism!
I could not find "urban influence" in the thesaurus, so i tried "alien"
Entry:   alien
Function:   noun
Definition:   foreigner
Synonyms:   face, floater, foreigner, ginzo, greenhorn, gringo, guest, immigrant, incomer, interloper, intruder, invader, migrant, newcomer, noncitizen, outsider, refugee, settler, squatter, strange weed, stranger, visitor, weed, wetback

They should add "undocumented worker", "urban influencer" and most importantly "FOREIGN INVADER" to the list.