why would you anyone go here unarmed?

[vantec08]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SMUGGLERS_WARNING_SIGNS?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US

Violence prompts strong warning at Ariz. monument

By JACQUES BILLEAUD
Associated Press Writer
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PHOENIX (AP) -- An increase in smuggling violence at the Sonoran Desert National Monument about 80 miles south of Phoenix has prompted a stronger warning to visitors about drug and immigrant traffickers passing through the public lands, officials said Tuesday.

The monument and three other federal lands in Arizona already have signs warning visitors that they may encounter smugglers. But 11 new signs have recently been erected and two more were planned at the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

The new signs warn visitors about speeding smuggling vehicles and instruct them to walk away when seeing something suspicious and avoid abandoned vehicles and backpacks because they might contain drugs stashed there by smugglers.

Tom Lister, the Bureau of Land Management's chief law enforcement ranger in Arizona, said authorities felt a stronger warning was needed because the area is near where a Pinal County deputy was shot in a confrontation with marijuana smugglers in April and where two men suspected of being involved in smuggling were fatally shot earlier this month.

Signs warning visitors of smugglers have been put up in the past in southern Arizona at the Sonoran Desert National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Coronado National Forest.

The new signs were erected at the Sonoran Desert National Monument's access points south of Interstate 8 between Casa Grande and Gila Bend.

While the monument isn't located directly on the border, it's used as a pathway for traffickers headed to Phoenix, a busy hub for moving illegal immigrants and marijuana across the United States.

Smuggling at the monument declined from 2005 through 2008 but is picking up again, Lister said.

Authorities said they weren't telling visitors to stay out of the monument, though the new signs encourage people to use the monument's lands north of the interstate.

[Big Jake]

I visit Arizona at least four times a year and I never go unarmed there. It is so gun friendly that it makes no sense to go to AZ and not carry!

[Bill Carson]

I would be packing at the IHOP if I were in arizona.

[RunGunner]

I was with a group of offroaders in Organ Pipe about 3 years ago. When we entered the border patrol straight up told us it wasnt safe for us to camp out there, even though we had a caravan of 4 suv's and 9 people. It was shocking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrl4P9AcrQ&feature=player_embedded

[Donny1]

This is making me sick!

[Echidin]

Where are the minutemen when you need them?

[FatalKitty]

the minutemen are armed with spotting scopes and sat-phones - just what exactly do you want them to do

[Shady]

sux people are getting killed over weed
+1 for cali

[BigDogatPlay]

Sucks worse that people are getting killed over what is essentially, in many cases, indentured servitude. Particularly because our government has treated with a 'don't ask, don't tell' like policy for decades now.

The issues on the border are about so much more than just weed.

[vantec08]

Sucks worse that we have been mexico's economic "safety valve" for so many years that it is being taken for granted. That and they still havent figured out, if you cant afford kids DONT HAVE ANY. Breed themselves into poverty, then complain about it. Sucks worse that mexican citizens refuse to clean up their own mess in their own country and blame us for refusing to subsidize them.

[DDG]

This is part of what prompted the new immigration enforcement law. It is not so much about the people, but about how they are getting here and the damage and danger that impacts Arizona residents.

FYI - We have similar areas in Kalifornia. Most of these areas are just not as popular so you don't hear about it.

Like was said - first move is to avoid and ignore. That usually works. Just in case, I always carry when hiking or riding in the deserts of CA.

[Fate]

The new signs warn visitors about speeding smuggling vehicles and instruct them to walk away when seeing something suspicious and avoid abandoned vehicles and backpacks because they might contain drugs stashed there by smugglers.

[stitchnicklas]

i go there armed,if i were in that sonora desert area i would have my AR slinged around my shoulder with 30 rd mags(a la iraq) style

[Purple K]

Deportation prevents exploytation