Border Patrol to begin closing gaps near Morelos Dam west of Yuma next week

PHOENIX — Border Patrol on Friday announced it would begin construction next week to close gaps in the barrier near the Morelos Dam west of Yuma.

The four gaps that will be closed are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Yuma Dam Project and will be tied into already existing infrastructure in the area.

The project is expected to be completed by the summer and will be funded by DHS’ fiscal year 2021 appropriations.

“The safety and security or our workforce, law enforcement partners and the local community are a top priority,” acting Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel said in a press release.

“The Yuma Sector is dedicated to working with our state, local, and tribal counterparts to ensure a multi-layered approach to secure our nation’s borders and protect our local community.”

Border Patrol said it is prioritizing the Morelos Dam area because of its safety risks for migrants and agents.

“I’m glad that after many months of urging the White House to fix this issue, construction is finally starting to permanently close these gaps in Yuma,” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) said in a statement Monday morning.

“While this is a step in the right direction, there is more work to do to ensure an orderly, secure, and humane border response.”

Morelos Dam was where former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey first placed his shipping container wall in October.

All 130 of the containers covering about 3,800 feet were removed by Tuesday, clearing the way for the Border Patrol/DHS operation.

Ducey’s wall cost the state $95 million to install and another $76 million to take down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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