Hourly Update

Vehicle barrier allowed to go ahead

YUMA, Ariz. - Construction crews are expected to begin building a reinforced concrete barrier along sections of the U.S.-Mexico border next month. The barrier is designed to stop immigrant smugglers, drug traffickers and other illegal traffic from driving across the border. The barrier will eventually cover 123 miles from San Luis to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument south of Ajo. "Not only will it enhance our ability to gain greater control of the border, but it is a proactive effort to protect the environment, habitat and (protect) against the ravages of narcotics and alien smuggling vehicles," said Joe Brigman, a spokesman for the Yuma sector of the U.S. Border Patrol. Yuma sector facilities manager Frank Geary said crews are slated to begin building in August a 37-mile portion stretching from San Luis to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Construction on a section east of there will start in November and link to barriers on a stretch of the Organ Pipe monument, he said.