129 Illegals Caught Near Wellton, AZ
A group of 129 illegal aliens were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Wellton station around 11:30 a.m. Monday.

"It is very unusual for us to apprehend a group this size in the Yuma sector," said Michael Gramley, Border Patrol spokesman.

Gramley said a Customs and Border Patrol helicopter was tracking group and caught up with them on the east side of the Gila mountains, about 10 miles Southwest of Wellton.

The pilot of the helicopter radioed ground units from the Wellton station, guiding them to the location of the group, which was traveling on foot.

"This is obviously an organized smuggling attempt," Gramley said. "We are actively investigating in order to identify smugglers in the group."

Gramley said the aliens were transported to the Wellton station where they will be processed.