The Region - News from April 2, 1986

Apprehensions of aliens soared to an all-time high in the El Centro area last month, an increase partly caused by people seeking refuge from the devastation of September’s earthquakes in Mexico City, the Border Patrol said. Agents patrolling the El Centro sector detained 10,644 illegal aliens in March, surpassing the region’s previous monthly apprehension record of 8,837 set in June, 1983, said Dale Musegades, chief patrol agent. On March 12, the Border Patrol recorded a single-day high for the region when agents arrested 418 undocumented aliens. Of the aliens detained in March, 97% were from Mexico. Musegades also said he believes that the high figures reflect the effects of last two earthquakes that hit Mexico City and surrounding areas.