Legal immigrants issued 100+ citations for not carrying documents in Arizona
Mar 4, 2026·Location: Yuma, AZ
Country of origin: Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in southwestern Arizona issued over 100 citations to legal immigrants, including permanent residents, visa holders, international students, and DACA recipients, for not carrying immigration documents under a 1952 federal law. The citations, primarily issued by Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents during traffic stops and checkpoints, carry fines around $80 but can reach up to $5,000 and include potential jail time. The enforcement represents a shift in policy following President Trump's executive order prioritizing all immigration law violations. Citations remain in federal records for 30 years and can complicate green card renewals and citizenship applications, potentially increasing vulnerability to deportation.
Sources
- azmirror.com
- Border Patrol now targeting immigrants for ‘carry your papers’ law in southern Arizona
- Border Patrol citing legal immigrants more often for ‘carry your papers’ violations
- Border Patrol now targeting legal immigrants for ‘carry your papers’ law in southern Arizona
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