Based on maps provided by Santa Cruz County, it appears that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) preferred site for a new Border Patrol station is directly adjacent to Elgin Elementary School in Sonoita.
The county was provided a vaguely detailed map showing two sites for the proposed station. The site designated as preferred is described as an undeveloped 40-acre parcel four miles southeast of the Sonoita crossroads. County manager Jesus Valdez said that in looking at parcel maps, it appears to be at the intersection of Elgin Road and State Highway 83. The property is currently being offered for sale by Sierra Vista Realty. Agent Beth Hughes said she is not aware of any inquiries regarding the property from CBP.
The “alternative” site listed in CBP’s communication with the county is a 75.76-acre parcel “positioned along State Routes 82 and 83.” Based on the vague maps it appears to be an expansion of their existing facility on Highway 82.
CBP’s request for county input on its Environmental Assessment of a new Border Patrol station says “the purpose of the new BPS is to accommodate the addition of new agents and personnel intended to enhance border security within the USBP Sonoita Area of Responsibility, with the ultimate objective of increasing the probability of apprehension of those that have entered into the U.S. illegally.”
The proposed enhancement comes at a time when a double wall is being installed along the border designed to prevent illegal entry. It also comes at the same time that CBP is proposing a new facility on 87 acres near Three Points, about 25 miles west of Tucson, and expanding the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Tubac.
John Fanning, chairman of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, said the county has requested “clear and detailed information” from CBP about the site selection process and the economic, social and environmental impacts on the community.
“We just want more information at this point,” said Valdez, the county manager.
Dan Erickson, superintendent/principal of Sonoita Elementary School District and Elgin Elementary, said he was unaware of a possible Border Patrol facility adjacent to the school but hopes to initiate a conversation with CBP officials within the next week.
“We always have had a good relationship with the Border Patrol,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s going to have much impact on us.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to phone and email inquiries from the PRT for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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