Border Patrol Shuts Down Cartel Safe House on Arizona-Mexico Border

By Matthew Holloway |

A significant operation has taken place near the Arizona-Mexico border, resulting in the dismantling of a cartel safe house in Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from the Tucson Sector collaborated with Mexican authorities on May 23 to seize an impressive cache of military-grade weaponry and drugs.

According to a social media release by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks, this operation was facilitated by intelligence shared between U.S. agents and the Mexican government. The raid led to the confiscation of four AK-47 rifles, three mortar grenades, over 3,250 rounds of ammunition, and 16 sacks of marijuana, among other items.

Chief Banks emphasized the raid’s importance, stating that it dealt a “serious blow” to cartel operations by removing vital resources and capabilities from criminal elements. The operation aimed to disrupt the flow of illicit activities across the border.

In addition to the May raid, further actions were taken to combat organized crime. Chief Patrol Agent Sean McGoffin credited the CBP’s Casa Grande International Liaison Unit for their role in assisting Mexican officials in dismantling a cartel “Rip Crew” shortly after the initial operation.

These criminal factions have a notorious reputation for preying on migrants in the border region. McGoffin noted the historical exploitation of vulnerable individuals, stressing the necessity of joint efforts to enhance security measures. He acknowledged the international cooperation between U.S. agents and their Mexican counterparts as crucial in combating such crimes.

Moreover, relationships with Mexican officials are being strengthened. The International Liaison Unit from the Sonoita Border Patrol Station is working to bolster patrols and law enforcement collaboration in the border area, particularly around Sonoita, Arizona, which has previously been targeted by criminal organizations due to its isolated nature.

As the drug cartels continue to challenge border security, these cooperative measures reflect a proactive stance against organized crime, aiming to safeguard communities on both sides of the border.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him for the latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.