COCHISE COUNTY — Human smuggling, an enterprising and cruel business along the United States’ southwest border with Mexico, is flourishing locally, as law enforcement authorities see a sharp rise in the arrests of undocumented people smuggled into the area.

Cochise County and Border Patrol officials say they have seen an increase on human smuggling attempts compared to last year.

SIERRA VISTA — This time it was the public’s turn to hear what the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is doing locally to help secure the border against undocumented individuals and drug mules trying to make it into the U.S. daily.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels leads Friday’s roundtable to explain how his office is securing the border on a local level.

Elgin resident Kate Scott, left, chats with friend Jeff Sturges from Sierra Vista during Friday’s community roundtable border discussion.

Tombstone residents Dixie and Steve McNeely review the itinerary prior to Friday’s public roundtable.

Todd McKinley, left, visiting from Tennessee, speaks with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels at the roundtable.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A motion for a preliminary injunction was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court by conservation organizations to block the construction of the border wall through the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA).

John Hill, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Partnership and Engagement, talks about the border in Cochise …