Adelita Grijalva Addresses Border Patrol Raid on Aid Site

Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) recently spoke on the House floor regarding a U.S. Border Patrol raid at a humanitarian aid station in southern Arizona.

The incident occurred on November 23 near Arivaca in Arizona's Seventh District. According to No More Deaths, a nonprofit organization, Border Patrol agents entered Byrd Camp and arrested three migrants.

Volunteers reported that agents initially approached the camp but were told they needed a warrant to enter. The agents left, then returned claiming "hot pursuit," a legal exception that allows warrantless entry during an active chase. Volunteers stated there was no chase occurring.

In her floor speech, Grijalva argued the raid violated constitutional protections and represented a pattern of enforcement actions in border communities.

Grijalva's Response

"The Fourth Amendment does not disappear in southern Arizona," Grijalva said. "Due process does not disappear because someone is a migrant. And humanitarian aid is not a crime."

Grijalva connected the raid to what she described as broader enforcement practices under the Trump administration's second term, including reports of Border Patrol agents waiting outside hospitals to arrest women after giving birth.

"Since the beginning of his second term, Donald Trump has directed an enforcement machine that is not only cruel but unconstitutional," she said, adding that enforcement actions have targeted long-time residents, visa holders, U.S. citizens, and veterans.

Background

Byrd Camp has operated for decades, providing water and first aid to migrants crossing the Arizona desert. According to Grijalva's statement, more than 4,400 people have died attempting to cross the border in Arizona since 2000.

No More Deaths volunteers noted that previous raids on the camp included warrants. They stated the November 23 incident differed because agents entered without one.

The organization states its mission is to prevent deaths in border areas through humanitarian assistance. As Grijalva represents Arizona's Seventh District, she highlights multiple border communities affected by immigration enforcement policies.