Migrants on Terrace Ave
In our border town of Nogales, Arizona, where the flow of people and traffic is constantly present, local businesses often find themselves at the crossroads of change and challenges. Recently, our community has been grappling with an increased influx of migrants released onto the streets, a situation exacerbated by shifts in government policies.
Border Patrol vans regularly arrive on Terrace Avenue, releasing over 200 migrants daily. The recent changes in government policy have sparked concerns among local businesses. The decision to redirect Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers from legal crossing points to assist Border Patrol Agents in processing migrants has had unintended economic consequences.
While we appreciate the humanitarian efforts to assist migrants, the reality is quite different for businesses like ours on Terrace Avenue. The increased influx of migrants has led to undesirable consequences that directly impact our gas station and parking lot businesses. These issues, including trespassing, littering, obstruction of exits, and more, have created an environment detrimental to the image of our business block.
Migrants wondering around our gas station until Santa Cruz County transportation arrives to take them to Tucson or other destinations.
Furthermore, we are still waiting for a government agency to contact us to discuss or address these concerns. They have set up their operation tents in front of our property exit without our authorization, creating additional challenges and frustration.
Our businesses located on Terrace Avenue exemplify Nogales businesses' resilience. We want to convey to our customers and visitors that our gas station and parking lots continue to operate safely despite the increased traffic in the area. Safety is a fundamental principle of our business, and we have consistently emphasized ensuring a secure environment for our patrons and staff.